ANNUAL REPORT 2018

American Hellenic Institute American Hellenic Institute Foundation

AMERICAN HELLENIC INSTITUTE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION...... 1 BOARD OF DIRECTORS...... 3 PUBLIC POLICY: AN OVERVIEW...... 11 LEGISLATIVE & POLICY INITIATIVES...... 14 MEDIA RELATIONS...... 17 AWARDS DINNER...... 19 LEADERSHIP VISITS ABROAD...... 21 BRIEFINGS, CONFERENCES & FORUMS...... 23 GENERAL NEWS...... 29 HELLENIC HOUSE VISITORS...... 33 AHI FOUNDATION HIGHLIGHTS & INITIATIVES...... 34 AHIF COLLEGE STUDENT FOREIGN POLICY TRIP TO & CYPRUS ...... 35 FUTURE OF HELLENISM IN AMERICA CONFERENCE...... 37 AWARDS DINNER...... 39 LEADERSHIP, AWARDS & STAFF NEWS...... 40

AMERICAN HELLENIC INSTITUTE 1220 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036 www.ahiworld.org • 301-670-9728 • [email protected] 2018 ANNUAL REPORT Introduction advocacy. For FY18, Congress provided $1 to positively influence the Greek American million for the program. On the Cyprus issue, community and U.S. relations with Greece and Dear Members and Friends: AHI organized two presentations abroad in Cyprus. As the American Hellenic Institute marks its March titled, “The Cyprus Crisis: A Declassified The Eastern Mediterranean remains immensely 44th year as the only Greek American think- Dossier” that featured AHI Foundation important to U.S. interests, and we must tank and public policy center, I am proud to Graduate Fellow Gregory Graves’ 31 volumes advance and promote policies that embrace present the Institute’s 2018 Annual Report. All of research he has conducted on the Cyprus the rule of law. Greece is a reliable, steady, of AHI’s policy-based programs and initiatives crisis. Graves presented to the Cypriot House and trusted NATO ally—a frontline state in the that advocate for the rule of law and advance of Representatives and to an audience at the fight against terrorism. On the other hand, the best interests of the United States on University of Piraeus. Turkey’s troublesome foreign policy direction, policies of importance to Greek Americans are Further, the Institute especially is proud several which includes unprecedented heightened encapsulated in this report. dignitaries visited Hellenic House in 2018. Turkish aggression in the Aegean and in Cyprus’ In 2018, AHI issued 76 press releases detailing Among the visitors were: Greece’s Minister of exclusive economic zone (EEZ), is ongoing and our numerous policy activities and events. Defense Panos Kammenos, Foreign Minister of unnecessarily places lives in harm’s way, and These activities included: the 43rd Annual the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides furthermore, must be called out. As Cyprus Hellenic Heritage Achievement and National and Ambassador of Cyprus to the United States settlement talks have halted, Turkey still Public Service Awards Dinner; the 17th annual Marios Lyssiotis; Deputy Assistant Secretary maintains more than 40,000 illegal troops on “Future of Hellenism in America” conference; of State for European and Eurasian Affairs the island and insists on keeping its guarantor the 14th Annual Awards Dinner in Athens; Matthew Palmer, Chief of the Hellenic National status in a post-settlement unified Cyprus, our annual “Congressional Salute to Greek Defense General Staff Admiral Evangelos which is unacceptable. There has been no Independence Day” on Capitol Hill; our 5th Apostolakis, and His Beatitude Theophilos progress with respect to religious freedom in annual “Greek Heritage Night” with the III, Patriarch of Jerusalem and All Palestine. Turkey, including the plight of the Ecumenical Phillies that provides tremendous Moreover, AHI’s work has been commended Patriarchate, despite calls from entities such as public exposure for Greece and our Greek by members of Congress, U.S. Ambassador the U.S. Commission on International Religious heritage; our annual trips to Greece and Geoffrey Pyatt, and Admiral Apostolakis, Freedom to address it. We must be extremely Cyprus, including our landmark 10th Annual among others. vigilant to make certain the United States ensures FYROM adheres to all elements of the Study Abroad Program; and our numerous Also, I am pleased AHI’s close-working public policy conferences and forums. Prespes Agreement, and does not deviate from collaboration with leading American Jewish the agreement, if it is ratified. All these issues At AHI, the majority of our efforts focus on organizations and AHEPA in support for the require our collective attention and action. advancing U.S. relations with Greece and burgeoning Greece-Cyprus-Israel partnership continued with two events that bookended Therefore, as advocates for the rule of law, we Cyprus as in the best interests of the U.S., and th to support the Greek American community. In 2018. In January, a third Leadership Mission must work to educate a new 116 Congress; to Greece, Cyprus and Israel proved fruitful, one which will welcome at least 100 non- this regard, we engaged policymakers in the th Trump administration and Congress through and in December, I had the honor to present incumbent winners. The 116 Congress also policy letters, testimony, and face-to-face on a panel at a major International Conference will be the most diverse. It remains a significant meetings with high-ranking administration held in Jerusalem organized by B’nai B’rith challenge to educate new legislators and keep officials and a significant number of members International and The Jerusalem Institute for incumbents informed and engaged on our of Congress and their staffs. To keep our key Strategic Studies. In an increasingly dangerous policy issues. Also, amid a cramped foreign audiences informed, we circulate op-ed pieces part of the world, it is important for us to do policy agenda in Washington, we will continue and articles in addition to publishing our our part to ensure the trilateral partnership to work with the Trump Administration Capital Reports and hosting policy forums. AHI continues to expand across all sectors, lending to sustain the welcomed high-level of also remains an important resource for media stability to the region. Separately, in a first, engagement with the inaugural U.S.-Greece outlets seeking the Greek American perspective I had the privilege to meet and speak with Strategic Dialogue and with the Statement of on U.S. policy in the Eastern Mediterranean. the dynamic Hellenic community of Vienna, Intent the U.S. signed with Cyprus. Further, we Austria, and meet with OSCE officials—a truly must never forget that April 24, 2019 marks Moreover, AHI places letters to the editor and th AHI staff and board members appear in media momentous moment in AHI’s history. the 104 anniversary of Armenian Genocide. Finally, AHI is excited to build upon the success interviews. Furthermore, the AHI Foundation We accomplished all these initiatives thanks published the ninth volume of its Online Policy of world-class, uplifting programs such as our to the dedication of AHI’s Board of Directors study abroad program for college students Journal that provides expert policy analysis and and Policy Fellows, with the assistance from commentary. while exploring additional ways to encourage our staff, and support from our members. In growth in commerce, trade, and investment AHI hosted policy forums, conferences and December 2018, our legislative director, Peter between the United States and Greece fresh off roundtable discussions in the U.S. and abroad. Milios, moved on, and we wish him the best of 2018’s productive International For example, AHI hosted intimate Washington, in his future endeavors; and Elias Gerasoulis Fair where the U.S. was the “Honored Country.” joined our staff and will be our legislative DC-based events for high-level Greek military As I reflect on 2018, I am deeply grateful and officials with U.S. government officials, defense director. I am proud both young professionals are products of AHI Foundation’s Foreign appreciative of the members, board officers sector executives, and community leaders and staff for their dedication. Everyone worked intended to raise awareness of Greece’s Policy Trip. Working together, AHI is not only returning to the influence it had in the 1970s, together to make it another productive year. strategic importance to the United States and Alongside our own activities in Washington, to advance U.S.-Greece defense cooperation. but in some ways even going beyond the most seminal moments of its early years. and abroad, AHI’s strength relies on the As a result, AHI’s policy objectives came to many significant contributions and generous fruition in 2018. For example, for NSA Souda support of our members. We also look to you Bay’s geostrategic importance to the national 2019: New Congress, to communicate your suggestions, share your security interests of the United States were Many New Faces knowledge, and provide your insights so that accomplished with the enactment of the we can continue to fulfill the needs of our most National Defense Authorization Act of 2019 AHI aspires to continue the momentum valuable asset—our members. Thank you. (NDAA). The Act authorized $47.85 million generated from the beneficial programs we in military construction funding for NSA have offered to the community. We aim to With warm regards and gratitude, Souda Bay, a further indication of increased build upon our elevated status and prestige and defense cooperation between the United the partnerships forged to achieve even more States and Greece. In addition, Congress policy successes in the future. We are always appropriated a significant boost to Greece’s looking for innovative ways to improve service International Military Education and Training to our membership base, to better address our Nick Larigakis (IMET) program for FY2018 thanks to AHI’s core agenda, and to cultivate opportunities President

1 AMERICAN AMERICAN HELLENIC HELLENIC INSTITUTE INSTITUTE FOUNDATION

The American Hellenic Institute, Inc. (AHI) is a respected and independent non-profit, public policy and advocacy center that works to strengthen relations between the United States and Greece and Cyprus, and within the Greek American community. It was founded on August 1, 1974, following Turkey’s invasion of Cyprus with the illegal use of American- supplied arms in violation of U.S. laws and agreements. The AHI initiated the rule of law issue in the Congress in the interests of the U.S., thus changing the face of American politics. In the years since 1974, AHI has kept the spirit of the rule of law alive. TheAmerican Hellenic Institute Foundation, Inc. (AHIF), established in 1975, is a 501(c) (3) non-profit tax-exempt educational and research organization and is the first “think tank” devoted exclusively to the study of the issues confronting the Greek American community. AHI and AHIF have championed the rule of law and American values in foreign policy as in the best interests of the U.S. This is especially true in the Eastern Mediterranean, a region critically important to American national interests. Through our deep understanding and knowledge of issues affecting Greece, Cyprus and U.S. interests in the region, we serve as the leading voice to American, Greek and Cypriot policy makers and within the community. With our newsletters, conferences, seminars, publications and social media, we serve as a resource to our members and our network of supporters; providing them with the information necessary to be active at the grassroots level and to strengthen our voice in Washington.

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NICK LARIGAKIS President & Chief Operating Officer NICK LARIGAKIS has held different positions with the AHI since joining the organization in 1987. He received his B.A. in Political Science from the College of New Jersey, and did post graduate work in International Affairs at the American University in Washington, DC. For his work in support of Hellenism, Mr. Larigakis has been honored with the 1995 Hermes Expo International Award, the 2007 Hellenic News of America Award, the 2008 Society of the Argonauts Award, and by the Greek Independence Day Committee of Tarpon Springs, FL, where he served as Honorary Grand Marshall of the 2001 and 2009 parades. Other recognitions include an honorary award from the Hellenic National Defense General Staff. He is a member of AHEPA, and received the Inaugural AHEPA Outstanding Public Advocacy Award (April 2012). During the 2004 Olympic Games he served as a volunteer. In 2003, Mr. Larigakis was invested as an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. As of the fall of 2013, he was appointed to the Board of Trustees of the American Community Schools of Athens and serves on the Board of Trustees of the Diabetes Research & Wellness Foundation USA. In 2015, he received the St. Katherine Community Service Award in Falls Church, Virginia.

JAMES H. , ESQ. Vice President JAMES H. LAGOS, ESQ. is a partner in the law firm of Lagos & Lagos PLL in Springfield, Ohio. He and his wife Nike are restoring the Bushnell Building in Downtown Springfield. This is the oldest and largest building in America that is both Platinum LEED Certified by the US Green Building Council and on the National Historic Register. It is in a newly designated Opportunity Zone. It is a smart office/retail building for lease or sale. They have extensively renovated 5 secure industrial/warehouse buildings in South Carolina which are available for lease or sale. Jim has held every office in his local Chamber of Commerce at least twice. He Chaired the Ohio Small Business Council and National Small Business Association. He has testified on small business issues in both Houses of Congress and General Assembly of Ohio. He received the first ever national Small Business Advocate of the Year award by the US Small Business Administration. He has been on the Boards of AHI and AHIF since the early 1980s. He is a Chanter and Treasurer of the Assumption Church. He served 2 separate 6 year terms as President of the Parish Council. He received the Saint Paul the Apostle Medal from Archbishop Iakovos. He is a 49 year AHEPA member and a member of the National Hellenic Society.

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NICK KARAMBELAS, ESQ. Treasurer NICK KARAMBELAS, ESQ. is a founding partner of Sfikas & Karambelas, LLP and practices in Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Maryland, New York City, NY with correspondent offices in Athens, Greece and Nicosia, Cyprus. He practices in the areas of business entity organization, international law and business transactions, e-commerce, securities, and franchising. He has written a treatise and numerous articles on business organization, transactional law and international law. Mr. Karambelas holds a B.A. from Union College, a J.D. from Fordham University School of Law and a Master of International Affairs (M.I.A.) from Columbia University School of Public and International Affairs. Mr. Karambelas is a member of the Board of Directors of the American Hellenic Institute and the American Hellenic Institute Foundation. He chairs the American Hellenic Lawyers’ Society of Greater Washington, D.C. He is Vice Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the American Community Schools of Athens, Inc. (Greece). Mr. Karambelas was named Attorney of the Year for 2015 by the Hellenic Lawyers Association of New York City. He was elected as Secretary of the D.C. Bar and served for 2004-2005. He is a CLE lecturer and teaches numerous areas of law including company law, international business transactions and commercial law to other attorneys.

KOSTAS ALEXAKIS, ESQ. Secretary KOSTAS ALEXAKIS, ESQ. is a Businessman, Engineer, Lawyer and political activist. Mr. Alexakis serves as Chairman and CEO of USL Financials, a software and systems implementation and consulting company that publishes and markets financial accounting and procurement systems to governments, non-profit organizations and universities. Public Sector’s clients are in 21 states in the U.S. and the company also supports clients in and the Caribbean. Mr. Alexakis started his career as an engineer with a degree in electrical engineering and computer science from George Washington University in Washington, DC. He is licensed to practice law in all state and federal court in Maryland and Virginia and is admitted to the Bar of the US Supreme Court. Mr. Alexakis also controls companies involved in real estate development, real estate management, and restaurants. In addition, he is actively involved in the Greek American community and entered politics in 2004 when he was the Democratic Party’s nominee for Congress in Maryland’s 1st Congressional District. He continues to be active with the Democratic Party nationally and in Maryland.

4 AMERICAN HELLENIC INSTITUTE BOARD OF DIRECTORS LEON ANDRIS, a native Washingtonian, graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and the University has been a member of AHI since its incep- of Virginia School of Law, and has served as a member of the tion and a Board member since 2014. A board of directors of numerous non-profit organizations that graduate electrical engineer, Leon spent his serve the underrepresented and underprivileged. Mr. Chimicles career in real estate, specializing in multi- is a recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, an Archon and family affordable housing. He is a 47-year member of Leadership 100. He and his wife Kathleen have five member and five-time president of Saint children and two grandchildren and live in Devon PA. George in Bethesda and currently serves as Chair of the Technology Committee of VAN COUFOUDAKIS, PH.D. is Profes- the Archdiocesan Council. He and his wife, sor Emeritus of Political Science and Dean Robyn live in Georgetown, D.C. but spend time on the Eastern Emeritus of the College of Arts and Sciences, Shore of MD and his ancestral village of Tsintzina in the Parnon Indiana University-Purdue University. He Mountains near Sparta. is also Rector Emeritus of the University of Nicosia, in Nicosia Cyprus. Between 2012- DR. ATHINA BALTA is a practicing 2014 he served as President of the Hellenic attorney licensed in DC and New York and an Quality Assurance and Accreditation Agen- Adjunct Professor at the George Washington cy of the Government of Greece. He has au- University Law School teaching trial advocacy. thored and edited several books and over 100 articles published Dr. Balta has a PhD in Public Administration in academic journals and books in the US and Europe. He holds and Policy with a focus on Space, Science a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan and honorary doctor- and Technology and an LLM in Litigation ates from Indiana University and from the University of Nicosia. from George Washington University, a JD In 1998, the awarded him the decoration of from the University of Oxford in the UK, a the order of the Phoenix for his contributions to Hellenic letters. BA in International Affairs and an MA in International Law from the American University in Washington DEMITRIOS HALAKOS has resided in DC. Prior to establishing her own practice Dr. Balta worked at Delaware since emigrating to the United NASA, the World Bank, ING and the Greek Ministry of Foreign States from Greece in 1985, after having Affairs. Athina Balta Law Group PLLC provides transactional received his undergraduate degree in and litigation services to a wide variety of businesses, including, Business Administration from T.E.I. in legal and policy advice in the aerospace and defense arena, US Patras. He is a founder and principal immigration law and assistance to individuals with property and of Halakos Management and various inherence matters in Greece and naturalization applications for subsidiaries consisting of real estate Americans with Greek descent. holdings in several states and restaurant/ entertainment enterprises. Halakos is a former member of the PETER BOTA is co proprietor of the Metro Parish Council of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 29 Diner Restaurant in Arlington, Virginia. Wilmington, Del., and he currently serves on its investment He is involved in the daily operation of committee. Also, Halakos is a proud member and benefactor to this very well known, high volume eating AHEPA Chapter 95, Wilmington. Halakos is an Archon of the establishment. In addition to being a successful Ecumenical Patriarchate, a member of Leadership 100, and the entrepreneur, he also enjoys investing in real National Hellenic Society. In addition, he currently serves on the estate. Mr. Bota received his under graduate Metropolitan Council of the Metropolis of New Jersey. Halakos, degree from Hofstra University in 1987. He and his wife, Georgia, reside in Greenville, Del., with their two believes in the importance of giving back to children, Billy and Dia. the community, supporting many charities, schools and worthy causes. Mr. Bota resides in Arlington, VA with his wife Marta an ALEXANDROS (ALECO) HARALAM- entrepreneur and former Ms. Virginia 2016. Together they have BIDES is a native of Miami, Florida who a grown son Christopher. is a staunch believer in the preservation and promotion of Hellenism. Aleco is one NICHOLAS E. CHIMICLES, ESQ. is the of the founding members of the Archi- founder and senior partner of Chimicles medean Schools--conservatories of math- Schwartz Kriner & Donaldson-Smith LLP ematics and the --where he (until recently and for the past 25 years continues to serve on the board of direc- known as Chimicles & Tikellis LLP), a tors. In 2004 he formed a company called 20-lawyer law firm with offices in Haverford Aristo Mortgage Investments to invest in PA and Wilmington DE that specializes in equity based mortgages and nonperforming mortgage loans. representing consumers and investors in Aleco has also been an attorney for twenty years. He served as class action litigation. Mr. Chimicles is a President of the American Hellenic Institute from 2009 to 2010. 5 AMERICAN HELLENIC INSTITUTE BOARD OF DIRECTORS JAMES L. MARKETOS, ESQ. is a GENE ROSSIDES, retired senior partner partner with the Washington, D.C., law of the law firm of Rogers and Wells now firm of Berliner, Corcoran & Rowe, LLP. Clifford Chance, served as Assistant A member of the New York and District of Secretary of the U.S. Treasury Department Columbia bars, he specializes in corporate from 1969 to 1973, where he supervised litigation, representing private clients in the U.S. Customs Service, Secret Service, state and federal courts throughout the Bureau of Alcohol, Tabaco and Firearms United States. He received his Bachelor’s and the Federal Law Enforcement degree from Princeton University and Training Center and a U.S. Representative his Juris Doctor degree from New York to INTERPOL. In 1982-1984, he served as University where he was Co-Editor-in-Chief of The Annual a member of the Executive Committee of the Grace Commission, Survey of American Law and was awarded the law school’s the President’s Private Sector Survey on Cost Control in the Vanderbilt Medal. From 1997 to 2008, he served as chairman of Federal Government. From 1958 to 1961, he was Assistant to the American Hellenic Institute, Inc. the Treasury Under Secretary in the Eisenhower Administration and is a founding director of the Eisenhower Institute. Following JAMES PEDAS has a long history in the Turkey’s invasion of Cyprus in 1974, Gene founded the American entertainment industry. While attending Hellenic Institute and the AHI Foundation. He has authored and George Washington University Law edited several books and articles including Kissinger & Cyprus – A School, he and his brother Ted established Study in Lawlessness. He holds a B.A. from Columbia College and a recording company, Colt 45 Records, a J.D. degree from Columbia Law School and an honorary Doctor that launched the musical career of Don of Laws degree from the American College of Greece. He is an Covay. Later they partnered to acquire Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, a member of Leadership several drive-in movie theatres and 100 and the AHEPA. In 1972, he was awarded the Columbia with another partner they bought a film University Medal for Excellence and the Young Lawyer’s Award distribution franchise. They have been from the Columbia Law School Alumni Association. In 1974, involved in numerous film ventures over the years including he was chosen by the National Collegiate Athletic Association owning the Circuit/Showcase theatre circuit; owning a small as one of five recipients of its Silver Anniversary Award. In part of Cinema 5 Ltd.; forming their own distribution company, Circle Releasing Corp., and forming their own production 1994, he received the Columbia College John Jay Award. Gene company, Circle Films, which was one of the foremost backers is the recipient of the Commander of the Order of the Phoenix of 1990s American independent cinema. Among their most by the President of Greece, the Republic of Cyprus Presidential noted productions are the Coen brothers’ debut and sophomore Exceptional Service Medal, the AHEPA Archbishop Iakovos films, “Blood Simple” (1984) and “Raising Arizona” (1987). Award, and the AHEPA-Stamos Family Lifetime Achievement Jim earned a Bachelor of Science in economics from Thiel Award. He and his wife, Aphrodite, reside in Washington, DC. College and received the Distinguished Alumnus Award for He has 4 children and 6 grandchildren. Professional Accomplishment in 1980. He was awarded an GEORGE TSETSEKOS, PH.D. is the honorary doctorate from Thiel and was named trustee emeritus Francis professor of Finance and Dean to the Board of Trustees. He has been the recipient of numerous Emeritus at Drexel’s LeBow College of awards for his work in promoting motion pictures as an art form, Business. He served as Dean of LeBow including being named Washingtonian of the Year (1973) and (2002-2012) and under his transformative receiving the American University’s Award for Contribution to leadership the college achieved national Film Culture (1985). He is on the boards of Thiel College and rankings and quality milestones in The Washington Hospital Center. He established the James research and teaching. Prior to his Pedas Communications Chair at Thiel in 1989 and the James appointment as Dean, he served as VP Pedas Communication Center, a state-of-the-art technology, of Academic Administration at Drexel collaborative teaching and learning space, which was dedicated University. Dr. Tsetsekos’ extensive research covers the broad at Thiel College in 2014. He is a supporter of many philanthropic areas of corporate finance, investments and banking and teaches endeavors, including establishing an Intellectual Property Chair MBA finance courses. Dr. Tsetsekos has served on the advisory at George Washington Law School. He has served as a director of boards of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, the Penjerdel the National Capital Bank of Washington since 1973. Council, the Pennsylvania Economy League, the World Trade, and other organizations and has chaired the Board of the Global “…one of the most effective lobbies in Washington Interdependence Center (GIC). In addition, Dr. Tsetsekos is that of Greek Americans…most effective has been has been engaged in consulting and advisory roles in public the American Hellenic Institute.” companies and organizations including The World Bank, SEC, Bearn Stearns, and FannieMae. Dr. Tsetsekos has serves on the — Time Magazine (1974) Board of AHI since 2009.

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CONSTANTINE A. GALANIS President CONSTANTINE A. GALANIS is the CEO of Apollo S.A., one of the largest chemical manufacturers of Mexico. He began his career as a consultant on international environmental and energy issues to Apollo Chemical Corp., and later became Commercial Director of Apollo Technologies International Corp. He received both his Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering and his Master’s in Business Administration from Rutgers University. Mr. Galanis is president of the AHI Foundation and serves as honorary Counsel of the Republic of Cyprus in Mexico. In recognition of his outstanding service to the Orthodox Faith, he was conferred the title of Archon by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

NICK KARAMBELAS, ESQ. Secretary NICK KARAMBELAS, ESQ. is a founding partner of Sfikas & Karambelas, LLP and practices in Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Maryland, New York City, NY with correspondent offices in Athens, Greece and Nicosia, Cyprus. He practices in the areas of business entity organization, international law and business transactions, e-commerce, securities, and franchising. He has written a treatise and numerous articles on business organization, transactional law and international law. Mr. Karambelas holds a B.A. from Union College, a J.D. from Fordham University School of Law and a Master of International Affairs (M.I.A.) from Columbia University School of Public and International Affairs. Mr. Karambelas is a member of the Board of Directors of the American Hellenic Institute and the American Hellenic Institute Foundation. He chairs the American Hellenic Lawyers’ Society of Greater Washington, D.C. He is Vice Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the American Community Schools of Athens, Inc. (Greece). Mr. Karambelas was named Attorney of the Year for 2015 by the Hellenic Lawyers Association of New York City. He was elected as Secretary of the D.C. Bar and served for 2004-2005. He is a CLE lecturer and teaches numerous areas of law including company law, international business transactions and commercial law to other attorneys.

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JAMES H. LAGOS, ESQ. Treasurer JAMES H. LAGOS, ESQ. is a partner in the law firm of Lagos & Lagos PLL in Springfield, Ohio. He and his wife Nike are restoring the Bushnell Building in Downtown Springfield. This is the oldest and largest building in America that is both Platinum LEED Certified by the US Green Building Council and on the National Historic Register. It is in a newly designated Opportunity Zone. It is a smart office/retail building for lease or sale. They have extensively renovated 5 secure industrial/warehouse buildings in South Carolina which are available for lease or sale. Jim has held every office in his local Chamber of Commerce at least twice. He Chaired the Ohio Small Business Council and National Small Business Association. He has testified on small business issues in both Houses of Congress and General Assembly of Ohio. He received the first ever national Small Business Advocate of the Year award by the US Small Business Administration. He has been on the Boards of AHI and AHIF since the early 1980s. He is a Chanter and Treasurer of the Assumption Church. He served 2 separate 6 year terms as President of the Parish Council. He received the Saint Paul the Apostle Medal from Archbishop Iakovos. He is a 49-year AHEPA member and a member of the National Hellenic Society.

“Since its foundation in 1974, the American Hellenic Institute has proven to be a firm contributor to the advancement of the Greek-US relations. By organizing a large number of events and activities annually, AHI offers the opportunity to multiple American stakeholders for an in-depth understanding of issues related to Greece, Cyprus, Southeastern Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean region in general. This effort effectively connects decision-makers in the United States with interlocutors in Greece and greatly supports the bilateral strategic partnership and broader regional cooperation. At the same time, initiatives focused on the young generation of Greek Americans prepare the next leaders who will guide Hellenism in America towards a more confident future. I would like to commend President Nick Larigakis and all the AHI members for their hard work and dedication.“ — Amb. Haris Lalacos, Ambassador of Greece to the U.S.

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JOHN ALAHOUZOS is a founding part- NICK LARIGAKIS has held different ner of Market Development Group, Inc. positions with the AHI since joining the and the firm’s executive vice president. organization in 1987. He received his B.A. An active philanthropist, John lends his in Political Science from the College of talents to a variety of nonprofit organiza- New Jersey, and did post graduate work in tions including the AHI Foundation. He is International Affairs at the American Uni- chairman of the Board of Trustees of the versity in Washington, DC. For his work Diabetes Research & Wellness Foundation in support of Hellenism, Mr. Larigakis has USA and serves on the Board of Trustees been honored with the 1995 Hermes Expo of DRWF’s sister organizations in the UK, International Award, the 2007 Hellenic , Sweden, Norway, and Finland. News of America Award, the 2008 Society John is also a member of the University of Maryland College of the Argonauts Award, and by the Greek Independence Day Park Foundation Board of Trustees and a member of the Board of Committee of Tarpon Springs, FL, where he served as Honorary Trustees of Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School Grand Marshall of the 2001 and 2009 parades. Other recogni- of Theology. In 2009, John was honored with the title of Archon tions include an honorary award from the Hellenic National De- Depoutatos of the Great Church of Christ by His All-Holiness fense General Staff. He is a member of AHEPA, and received the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the Phanar. Inaugural AHEPA Outstanding Public Advocacy Award (April 2012). During the 2004 Olympic Games he served as a volunteer. GUS ANDY is a city planner, a real estate In 2003, Mr. Larigakis was invested as an Archon of the Ecu- developer, a businessman and an entrepre- menical Patriarchate. As of the fall of 2013, he was appointed to neur with over 40 years of experience. In the Board of Trustees of the American Community Schools of 1969 Mr. Andy purchased a small motel Athens and serves on the Board of Trustees of the Diabetes Re- along the Atlantic Ocean and successfully search & Wellness Foundation USA. In 2015, he received the St. built it into one of the most contemporary Katherine Community Service Award in Falls Church, Virginia. 141 room hotel in Cape May, NJ. He has also been successful in developing several ELENI A. ROSSIDES is the Customer other properties in Cape May and is cur- Experience & Growth Advisor for the rently working on developing a large tract Americas at Marriott International. She of real estate in North Carolina. Mr. Andy supports the development of consumer is a strong zealot of education. He holds a needs and synthesizing research insights, Bachelor of Science degree in Landscape Architecture and a Mas- data and analytics into usable and action- ter’s Degree in City and Regional Planning from the University able steps for the Americas, the largest of Oklahoma. When a job landed him in Tallahassee, Florida he Continent within Marriott Internation- enrolled at the Florida State University where he took business al’s portfolio of over 5,700 hotels and 30 courses while working full time. Mr. Andy is very active in local brands. Prior to Marriott International, civic politics, serving on several committees and boards, most Eleni worked as a consultant at McKin- recent, the Tourism Commission and the City Planning Board. sey & Company focused in their marketing and branding prac- He is also very active in the local Greek American Community tices and in marketing strategy and consumer insights at Black & and the American Hellenic Institute in Washington DC. He is a Decker. Most recently she led the Washington Tennis & Educa- passionate and vocal advocate for freeing Cyprus from Turkish tion Foundation (WTEF) with a 50-member board and 70-mem- oppression and returning the Elgin marbles to Greece. Mr. Andy ber staff through a major organizational transformation and built is a strong believer in the rule of law in all the fundamental prin- a state-of-the-art tennis, academic and community center in a ciples of the United States as applied to our foreign affairs. He is low-income neighborhood. Eleni is a former professional tennis an active member of both St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church in player with a bachelor’s degree from Stanford University, where Miami, Florida and St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in she was selected All-American; captured the #1 women’s ranking Wildwood, NJ. He has a great love for his family and has engaged in the country and was the first woman to be on four straight his four children to cherish their Greek heritage and culture. National Championship tennis teams. She earned an MBA from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern “I am a staunch believer in the work of the American University. She is a native Washingtonian who currently lives in Hellenic Institute, and I have always said that if it Maryland with her husband and three children. didn’t exist, we should have invented it.“ — Alexandros Mallias, Former Ambassador of Greece to the U.S.

9 AMERICAN HELLENIC INSTITUTE FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

GENE ROSSIDES, retired senior partner Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey, and a Parish Council mem- of the law firm of Rogers and Wells now ber of the St. George Greek Orthodox Church at Trenton, NJ, Clifford Chance, served as Assistant where he has also served for 4 years (2009-2012) as the President Secretary of the U.S. Treasury Department of its Parish Council. In addition, Dr. Spireas served as president from 1969 to 1973, where he supervised of AHI Foundation (2011-2016) and is a member of AHEPA. He the U.S. Customs Service, Secret Service, resides in New Hope, PA, with his wife Dr. Amalia Kassapidis- Bureau of Alcohol, Tabaco and Firearms Spireas, a pediatrician, and their two children. and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and a U.S. Representative KYRIAKOS TSAKOPOULOS is Co- to INTERPOL. In 1982-1984, he served as chairman of AKT Development Corpo- a member of the Executive Committee of the Grace Commission, ration and AKT Investments Inc., a di- the President’s Private Sector Survey on Cost Control in the versified, family-owned land company. Federal Government. From 1958 to 1961, he was Assistant to The company operates real estate, farm- the Treasury Under Secretary in the Eisenhower Administration ing, ranching, water, minerals, building and is a founding director of the Eisenhower Institute. Following and land development projects through- Turkey’s invasion of Cyprus in 1974, Gene founded the American out Northern and Central California. Hellenic Institute and the AHI Foundation. He has authored and Prior to becoming the company’s Co- edited several books and articles including Kissinger & Cyprus – A chairman, Tsakopoulos reorganized all Study in Lawlessness. He holds a B.A. from Columbia College and AKT holdings, projects and operations a J.D. degree from Columbia Law School and an honorary Doctor in Placer County, including the entitle- of Laws degree from the American College of Greece. He is an ment and donation of 1,100 acres to build a private four-year Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, a member of Leadership university. Tsakopoulos is active in regional, national and 100 and the AHEPA. In 1972, he was awarded the Columbia international civic affairs and educational policy. He is a member University Medal for Excellence and the Young Lawyer’s Award of the Board of Trustees of Columbia University and previously from the Columbia Law School Alumni Association. In 1974, served on the Columbia College Board of Visitors. He founded he was chosen by the National Collegiate Athletic Association the “Aristotle and the Moderns Chair” in Hellenic Studies as one of five recipients of its Silver Anniversary Award. In at Columbia. He is a trustee emeritus of the California State 1994, he received the Columbia College John Jay Award. Gene University System and chairman emeritus of the University of is the recipient of the Commander of the Order of the Phoenix California, Davis M.I.N.D. Research Institute, among many other by the President of Greece, the Republic of Cyprus Presidential public service board and commission appointments. In 2008, Exceptional Service Medal, the AHEPA Archbishop Iakovos he was selected to be a member of the Forum of Young Global Award, and the AHEPA-Stamos Family Lifetime Achievement Leaders by the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Award. He and his wife, Aphrodite, reside in Washington, DC. He received his bachelor of arts degree from Columbia University He has 4 children and 6 grandchildren. and a juris doctor from the McGeorge School of Law. DR. SPIRO SPIREAS is the owner, founder, chairman and chief executive “As co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on officer of Sigmapharm Laboratories, Hellenic Issues, we rely on the American Hellenic an emerging specialty pharmaceutical company operating out of Bensalem, Institute's fervent advocacy of the rule of law and PA, and engaging in the development, focus on pressing issues in Greece and Cyprus that manufacture and marketing of unique demand Congressional attention. From the hands generic and branded pharmaceutical of legendary Gene Rossides to Nick Larigakis’ products. He is the inventor and author of more than 130 international and do- leadership today, AHI continues to set the standard mestic patents and patent applications, of passionate, reasoned education and advocacy. and more than 200 scientific papers, For the twenty-plus years of our Caucus’ existence, books, and other publications in the fields of industrial phar- AHI has been a principal contributor and advisor macy, pharmaceutical technology, biopharmaceutics, pharma- cokinetics and analytical chemistry. Dr. Spireas holds a Master’s that has significantly helped shape the Eastern degree and a Doctorate (Ph.D.) degree in Pharmaceutics and In- Mediterranean geopolitical landscape“ dustrial Pharmacy from St. John’s University, Jamaica, NY, and a — Reps. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) & Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) B.S. degree in Pharmacy from the Hellenic National University Co-Chairs, Congressional Hellenic Caucus. of Athens, Greece. Dr. Spireas is an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, a member of the Metropolitan Council of the Greek

10 during a one-hour, 15-minute meeting with Diplomatic PUBLIC POLICY: AN OVERVIEW Advisor to the Greek Prime Minister Evangelos Kalpadakis. U.S.-Greece Relations Finally, AHI’s policy objectives were reaffirmed during the visit of Marine Corps Gen. Joe Dunford, chairman of the The American Hellenic Institute has long maintained Joint Chiefs of Staff, to Athens, Greece, in September 2018. the U.S. should have a “special relationship” with Greece, Gen. Dunford placed importance on NSA Souda Bay and recognizing its strategic location in southeastern Europe the International Military Education and Training (IMET) where the U.S. has important political, economic and program’s contribution toward a deepening relationship military interests. A NATO member since 1952, Greece is between the United States and Greece. an immensely valuable, proven, and reliable strategic ally for the U.S. despite its economic difficulties. Greece is a frontline state in the fight against terrorism. It is home to the Greece-Turkey Relations most important naval presence in the Mediterranean Sea, AHI closely monitors Greece-Turkey relations to keep key U.S. Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, on the island of government officials apprised of developments that affect Crete. December’s inaugural U.S.-Greece Strategic Dialogue U.S. interests in the eastern Mediterranean. AHI supports a is a further recognition of the mutual commitment of both policy that encourages a normalization of relations between countries to deepen their cooperation and relationship. the two countries that is firmly based on international law AHI has championed vigorously Greece’s strategic and a reversal of aggression. AHI also believes it is in the best importance to the United States and advocated for interest of the U.S. to support stable relations between these a strengthening of U.S.-Greece defense cooperation, two countries by proactively promoting the rule of law. especially during the past two to three years. AHI has In particular, AHI notes the following areas as the fundamental worked extensively to organize high-profile events in causes of problems between Greece and Turkey: Washington and Athens that featured high-ranking Greek and U.S. government officials. These events also aim to • Turkey’s unilateral claims against sovereign Greek territory bring together Greece’s top military officials with key in the Aegean in violation of international law, and its representatives of the defense sector. AHI has collaborated refusal to refer its unilateral claims to binding international with think-tanks to publish white paper/reports about arbitration; Greece’s importance to the United States’ security interests, and NSA Souda Bay’s critical role to project those interests. • Turkey’s aggression against Cyprus which includes its Moreover, AHI has worked with our allies on Capitol Hill to continuing illegal occupation of 37.3 percent of Cyprus, seek an increased investment in NSA Souda Bay, Crete and and at extended period of times in recent years, has Greece’s International Military Education and Training (IMET) included incursions into Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone program, especially in written testimony to Congress. As a (EEZ) and demonstrated “gunboat diplomacy;” result, many of AHI’s policy objectives to strengthen the • Turkey’s continuing violations of Greece’s territorial U.S.-Greece Partnership came to fruition in 2018: waters and airspace (more than 5,500 infringements • The final FY2018 appropriations bill provided $1 and violations of Greece’s airspace and territorial waters million for Greece’s IMET program—a significant boost occurred as of October 31, 2018); and in the program’s funding and $850,000 above the • Illegal immigration via Turkey that threatens Greek Administration’s FY18 requested level. democracy. • Report language that accompanied the FY2018 spending In sum, the threat of casus belli still stands, and Greece bill requires the Secretary of State and Secretary of continues to register a considerable number of formal Defense to submit a report to Congress recommending complaints over continued violations of the Greek airspace how Foreign Military Financing can be used to support and territorial waters by Turkey. The most egregious in recent Greece’s purchase of F-16 upgrades. years occurred in February 2018 when a Turkish coastguard • The National Defense Authorization Act of 2019 (NDAA) vessel collided with a stationary Greek coastguard vessel authorized $47.85 million in military construction funding near the Greek island of Imia. for NSA Souda Bay, Crete. As a result of Turkey’s “gunboat diplomacy,” which has Additionally, in a nod to the value of the policy opinions of elevated tensions in the eastern Mediterranean, and is a the American Hellenic Institute, Greek government officials source of instability in the region, especially via its egregious sought the Institute’s perspective in the lead-up to the violations of Greece’s sovereignty in the Aegean Sea on an inaugural U.S.-Greece Strategic Dialogue, which was held almost daily basis, AHI wrote to President Donald Trump, Dec. 13 in Washington, D.C. During his December visit to urging the administration to act to uphold the rule of law Athens, President Nick Larigakis met with Alternate Foreign and to call on Turkey to cease and desist with its aggressive Minister George Katrougalos, who led the Greek delegation actions that are a threat to peace and stability and are not in to the Strategic Dialogue. Following their meeting, AHI the best interests of the United States. U.S. Representative presented a memo to Alternate Foreign Minister Katrougalos Gus Bilirakis submitted AHI’s letter to President Trump which set forth the opinions of AHI in connection with issues into the Congressional Record. Furthermore, AHI backed a that are relevant to United States policies. Further, President congressional letter to President Donald Trump on the same Larigakis exchanged ideas about the Strategic Dialogue topic which 16 U.S. representatives signed. 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 11 The Cyprus Problem Foreign Policy Study Abroad Program. In 2018, the community observed the somber 44th Finally, if the United States-Cyprus relationship is to build anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. Turkey’s successfully on the Statement of Intent that was signed continued insistence on antiquated and obstructive in November, then the United States must lift its arms stances, such as the Treaty of Guarantee, which would allow prohibition on Cyprus. AHI asserts it is in the best interest for future unilateral Turkish military interventions and is of the United States that the Republic of Cyprus maintains completely unacceptable and contradicts the governing its Western orientation, and it is preferred that the Republic principals of a European Union member state, led to the of Cyprus turn to the United States to procure its defense collapse of 2017’s Conference on Cyprus in Crans-Montana, materials and not from any other nation. This is why AHI Switzerland. Moreover, Turkey refuses to withdraw its pressed the Department of State to lift the prohibition in more than 40,000 illegally-stationed troops on Cyprus. 2018: The withdrawal of Turkish troops would be a significant • In June, AHI discussed the issue with State Department confidence building measure in the peace process. In officials and submitted a memorandum with the key addition, Turkey’s illegal occupation of Cyprus has had an points which are in the Issue Brief. AHI also submitted impact upon The Committee on Missing Persons’s ability the memorandum to the co-chairs of the Congressional to access certain Turkish military installations on Cyprus to Caucus on Hellenic Issues. excavate the remains of Cypriots missing since the tragic events that occurred on the island for proper identification. • In August, AHI announced the publication of an Issue Brief on the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) AHI supports a settlement of the Cyprus problem through under which the United States has prohibited the sales negotiations based on a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation of U.S. defense articles/services to the Republic of Cyprus in a state with a single sovereignty and international since 1985. personality, incorporating the norms of a constitutional democracy embracing key American principles, the EU • In December, AHI initiated a Hellenic Caucus letter to acquis communautaire and EU Founding Treaty, UN Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, urging the secretary resolutions on Cyprus, the pertinent decisions of the to eliminate the prohibition on the transfer of defense European Court of Human Rights and of other European articles and services to the Republic of Cyprus under 22 Courts -- as is the best interests of the United States. CFR § 126.1. Fourteen U.S. representatives signed the letter. One of AHI’s primary objectives is to keep the Cyprus issue and the basis for a solution—the consequences of more than 180,000 illegal Turkish colonists/settlers in FYROM Name-Recognition Cyprus, which is in violation of the Geneva Convention; the humanitarian issue of The Missing, and the religious The FYROM name-recognition issue is included in the freedom and destruction of cultural heritage in Turkish- AHI Policy Statements and advocates a position that the occupied Cyprus—at the forefront of the policy debate United States should support a settlement to the FYROM in Washington. Fundamental to this approach are AHI name dispute that addresses Greece’s concerns and its meetings with U.S. government officials and their staffs best interests. Greece has been a longtime, faithful ally and government representatives from Greece and Cyprus. and important geostrategic partner providing for peace These meetings are important tactics to help forge closer and stability in the region. FYROM’s insistence to abuse cooperation, foster greater understanding, and stimulate Greek history and pursue irredentist and provocative new ideas as all parties work toward a Cyprus resolution. actions, have had the potential to destabilize the Balkans, For example, in October, AHI hosted newly-appointed and therefore, be a detriment to U.S. interests. AHI also Ambassador of Cyprus to the United States Marios Lyssiotis. advocates a position that FYROM will not join NATO and the European Union until the name dispute is resolved. • AHI held a high-profile briefing on Capitol Hill to mark the 44th anniversary of the invasion where 11 members In 2018, AHI submitted written testimony to the House of Congress, Consul Konstantinos Polykarpou, Embassy of Appropriations Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, the Republic of Cyprus; and Ambassador of Greece to the and the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Foreign U.S. Haris Lalacos, all spoke about the issue. Operations, that opposed any proposed U.S. aid to FYROM until mutually-agreeable solution to the name-recognition Additionally, AHI continues to push for greater public and issue is achieved. In meetings with government officials, governmental awareness of the issue. AHI proudly hosted the FYROM name-recognition issue is also raised. two presentations abroad in March titled, “The Cyprus Specifically, in discussions with Administration officials, Crisis: A Declassified Dossier” that featured AHI Foundation namely State Department officials, AHI asserts strongly Graduate Fellow Gregory Graves’ 31 volumes of research he that if, and when, the Prespes Agreement is ratified, the has conducted on the Cyprus crisis. Graves presented to the United States must ensure FYROM adheres to all elements Cypriot House of Representatives and to an audience at the of the agreement and does not deviate from it. Finally, AHI University of Piraeus. Furthermore, AHI’s commitment to continues to monitor and track that actions of certain U.S. Cyprus is demonstrated by annual visits to Cyprus, including representatives who advocate for FYROM’s inclusion into one this year with leading American Jewish organizations. NATO. Finally, AHIF continues to introduce a younger generation of Greek Americans to Cyprus and Greece with its annual

2018 ANNUAL REPORT 12 The Ecumenical Patriarchate to $1 million that was enacted in the FY2018 Omnibus appropriations bill. AHI reiterated its unequivocal position on what actions the • March 26: AHI welcomed Emirates Airline’s announcement U.S. government should take to secure religious freedom that marked the one-year anniversary of its Newark for the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Turkey. AHI urges the U.S. service via Athens, Greece, calling the first year a success. government to use its influence with the Turkish government to safeguard the Ecumenical Patriarchate, its personnel, and • May 8: AHI announced its support of legislation aimed to its property; and to reopen the Halki Patriarchal School of limit the transfer of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey. Theology. AHI underscores that, “Under the International • May 29: AHI welcomed additional congressional action in Religious Freedom Act of 1998, the President is obligated to the National Defense Authorization Act of 2019 (NDAA) in oppose violations of religious freedom in any country whose a response to Turkey’s behavior. government ‘engages in or tolerates violations of religious • June 15: AHI applauded a letter from 16 U.S. freedom and promote the right to religious freedom in that representatives urging President Donald Trump to country.’” Furthermore, the Act obligates the President to condemn acts of aggression taken by Turkey in Cyprus’ take one or more of 15 enumerated actions with respect to sovereign territory. any such country. • June 27: AHI applauded further congressional pressure Moreover, AHI has taken a more active role to facilitate and on Turkey to prohibit the transfer of F-35 fighter jets bring parties together to continue the important dialogue to Turkey—a letter signed by 44 U.S. representatives regarding the challenges and burdens facing the churches to Secretary of Defense James Mattis that urged the of the Holy Land. For example, in November, AHI hosted secretary to prevent the planned delivery of the jets. His Beatitude Theophilos III, Patriarch of Jerusalem and All • July 11: AHI decries NATO Secretary General Jens Palestine, at Hellenic House for a discussion. Stoltenberg’s praise of Turkey as a highly-valued ally in an interview published July 9 in Hürriyet Daily News. 2018 Public Policy in Action • July 20: AHI issued a statement in remembrance of the solemn 44th anniversary of Turkey’s invasion of the Letters & Statements Republic of Cyprus in 1974. AHI sent letters to government officials or corporate officers • July 24: AHI announced new hire, Elias Gerasoulis as the and issued several public statements presenting positions Institute’s Legislative Assistant. on current events and policy decisions important to the • July 25: AHI statement on the outbreak of wildfires in organization’s membership. Attica, Greece, conveyed sadness and appreciation for those entities that provided support. Letters • August 15: AHI announced the publication of an Issue • February 27: AHI sent a letter to President Donald Trump Brief on the International Traffic in Arms Regulations in the wake of acts of Turkish provocation and aggression (ITAR) under which the United States has prohibited the in the Eastern Mediterranean and broader region that sales of U.S. defense articles/services to the Republic of have dire implications to U.S. security interests. Cyprus since 1985. • May 8: AHI sent a letter to NATO Secretary General Jens • September 5: AHI issues a statement that its policy Stoltenberg to convey strong concern regarding the positions on United States-Greece defense cooperation actions and behavior of NATO member Turkey toward were reaffirmed during the visit of Marine Corps Gen. Joe fellow Alliance member countries. AHI also expressed Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to Athens, profound disappointment with NATO’s inability to address Greece. intra-Alliance conflicts because it lacks a provision or • September 26: AHI announces the appointment of mechanism to deal with such an issue. retired Rear Admiral Vasileios Kyriazis to the position of • July 17: AHI sent a letter to Office of Management Vice President of the AHI-Athens chapter. and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney to convey strong • November 26: AHI announced President Nick Larigakis disagreement with the Trump administration’s announced will present on the topic, “The Role of the Greek Diaspora,” opposition to a section of the FY2019 Department of State, at an international conference titled, “New Realities in Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations the Eastern Mediterranean” to be held in Jerusalem, bill that restricts the use of funding for the transfer of F-35 December 11, 2018. aircraft to Turkey. • November 29: AHI issued “An FYI from AHI,” alerting its Statements & Announcements audience to a piece published by the Gatestone Institute, • January 19: AHIF announced the publication of the a non-partisan, not-for-profit international policy council eighth volume of its Policy Journal. and think tank, titled, “Turkey Wipes Out the Christian • February 13: AHI strongly condemned Turkish aggression Culture of Occupied Cyprus” by Uzay Bulut. The piece in Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ). appeared November 25, 2018. • March 1: AHI announced the release of its 2017 Annual • December 13: AHI applauded a letter signed by 14 U.S. Report. representatives urging Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to • March 23: AHI applauded a boost for Greece’s Interna- lift the arms prohibition on Cyprus. tional Military Education and Training (IMET) Program 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 13 LEGISLATIVE & POLICY INITIATIVES Congressional Salute to Greek Independence Day

Rep. Gus Bilirakis.

Bilirakis and Maloney for their support to organize the reception and for their ongoing efforts to promote Greek Captain Charalampos Pegklidis, Greek Naval Attache to the U.S.; Nick American issues in the U.S. Congress. Members of Congress Larigakis, Colonel Panagiotis Kavidopoulos, Greek Defense Attache to the who addressed the audience included: Reps. Gus Bilirakis, U.S.; Colonel Stefanos Ampouleris, Greek Air Attache to the U.S. Charlie Crist (D-FL), Carolyn Maloney, John Sarbanes (D-MD). Special guest speakers were: Greek Ambassador to the United States Haris Lalacos, and on behalf of the Embassy of Cyprus, Charge d’affaires Andres Nikolaides. Basil Mossaidis, Executive Director of AHEPA also provided remarks. During the evening, there was a presentation of traditional Greek dances performed by Byzantio Greek Dance and Cultural Arts Program under the direction of Aris and Anna Yortzidis. Maria Karageorge sang the American and Greek National Anthems.

Rep. Carolyn Maloney and Nick Larigakis with the Byzantio Greek Dance and Cultural Arts Program.

AHI celebrated the 197th anniversary of Greek Independence Day by hosting its annual “Congressional Salute to Greek Independence Day,” April 11. The common democratic ideals held by Greece and the United States were reaffirmed by several members of Congress at the event which was held in cooperation with the co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, U.S. Reps. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Carolyn Maloney (D-NY). AHI President Nick Larigakis served as Master of Ceremonies. Ambassador Haris Lalacos, Rep. Gus Bilirakis and Nick Larigakis with the Byzantio Greek Dance and Cultural Arts Program. He welcomed the guests and thanked Representatives

Andreas Nikolaides, Embassy of Cyprus, Charge d’affaires; Rep. Gus Rep. John Sarbanes (D-MD). Bilirakis; and Amb. Haris Lalacos, Greek Ambassador to the US. 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 14 AHI Testimony to Congressional Sixteen U.S. representatives signed a June 12, 2018 letter to President Trump that also requested the Administration’s Appropriations Subcommittees on plan to address the concern about Turkey’s aggression. AHI FY2019 Foreign Aid backed the letter which U.S. Reps. Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), and John Sarbanes (D-MD), spearheaded. AHI submitted testimony to the House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, In addition to U.S. Reps. Pallone, Bilirakis, and Sarbanes, the and Related Programs on the Trump Administration’s foreign U.S. representatives who supported the letter were: Carolyn aid proposal for FY2019 on April 20, 2018. Maloney (D-NY), James McGovern (D-MA), Ted Deutch (D- FL), Ted Poe (R-TX), Albio Sires (D-NJ), Chris Smith (R-NJ), In the best interests of the United States, AHI’s testimony Dina Titus (D-NV), David Cicilline (D-RI), Jackie Speier (D-CA), opposed: (1) any military assistance the administration Steve King (R-IA), Niki Tsongas (D-MA), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), will request for Turkey until: Turkey withdraws all of its and Charlie Crist (D-FL). Representatives Smith, Poe, Deutch, troops and illegal Turkish settlers in Cyprus and Turkey Sires, Cicilline, and Titus, all serve on the House Committee ceases and desists its acts of provocation and aggression on Foreign Affairs. in the Aegean; (2) a reorganization of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) that would prevent its th authorization from doing business in Greece—a policy AHI Marks 44 Anniversary of Turkish shift achieved in 2016 due to Greece’s economic crisis; (3) Invasion of Cyprus with Congressional aid the administration will request for the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) until a mutually-agreeable Briefing solution to the name-recognition issue is achieved; and (4) any reduction that might be introduced in the aid levels for the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus. Also, in keeping with the best interests of the United States, AHI applauded the FY2018 enacted level of funding of $1 million for NATO ally Greece’s International Military Education and Training (IMET) program and supported a recommended appropriation of $1.2 million for FY2019. In addition, AHI’s testimony recommended that appropriations language be included in the bill that addressed how United States foreign assistance can help solidify a reunified Cyprus and its government in the event of reunification.

AHI Supports Legislation to Limit (L-R) Mr. Konstantinos Polykarpou, Consul, Embassy of Cyprus; Nick Larigakis, Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL); Amb. Haris Lalacos, Transfer of F-35s to Turkey Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI).

AHI supported the introduction of legislation aimed to limit th the transfer of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey and commends the AHI marked the 44 anniversary of Turkey’s illegal invasion bill’s three original sponsors, U.S. Senators James Lankford of the Republic of Cyprus by hosting a congressional briefing (R-OK), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Tom Tillis (R-NC), in a to discuss the state of affairs on the island on Capitol Hill, July statement issued May 8, 2018. 17. The briefing allowed prominent members of Congress to convey their viewpoints and perspectives on the Cyprus AHI President Nick Larigakis sent letters on April 30 to issue and prospects for a solution after the collapse of the each of the three senators thanking them and conveying Conference on Cyprus in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. The AHI’s strong support for the legislation, S.2781. The letters legislators also discussed opportunities for the United outlined several reasons for AHI’s backing of the legislation, States to work on this matter. including Turkey’s blatant disregard for the rule of law as it pertains toward Greece, Cyprus, and the Ecumenical The briefing, held in Patriarchate. In addition, Larigakis cited the Turkish cooperation with the government’s threats toward the United States military Congressional Caucus and Turkish nationals working for the U.S. Embassy and the on Hellenic Issues, fea- wrongful imprisonment of Pastor Andrew Brunson. tured as speakers: U.S. Senator Chris Van Hol- len (D-MD), member, AHI-backed Congressional Letter Senate Committee on Urges President Trump to Condemn Appropriations; Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D- Turkish Aggression NY), co-chair, Congres- sional Caucus on Hel- AHI applauded bipartisan congressional action that urges lenic Issues; Rep. Gus President Donald J. Trump to condemn acts of aggression Bilirakis (R-FL), co-chair, taken by Turkey in Cyprus’s sovereign territory and to reassert Rep. Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN). Congressional Caucus on the right of Cyprus to develop its hydrocarbon resources. 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 15 attendance included: Ambassador of Greece to the U.S. Haris Lalacos; Consul Konstantinos Polykarpou, Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus; Colonel Panagiotis Kavidopolos, Defense attaché, Embassy of Greece; Captain Chara- lampos Pegklidis, H.N., Naval attaché, Embassy Rep.Ted Deutch, Co-Chair of Congressional Hellenic Israel Alliance (CHIA) of Greece; and Colonel Stefanos Ampouleris, Air attaché, Embassy of Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Co-Chair of the Greece. Nick Larigakis Hellenic Caucus moderated the briefing.

AHI Advocates to Lift the Arms Prohibition on Cyprus with Issue Brief, Congressional Letter AHI announced the publication of an Issue Brief on the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) under which (L to R) Larigakis, Reps. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) the United States has prohibited the sales of U.S. defense articles/services to the Republic of Cyprus since 1985. The ITAR lists the Republic of Cyprus, along with countries such Hellenic Issues; U.S. Rep. as Sudan and Somalia, as a country to which transfers of U.S. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen defense articles/services are prohibited. AHI released the (R-FL), chairman emeri- Issue Brief on August 15. tus, House Committee In June, AHI discussed the issue with State Department on Foreign Affairs; Rep. officials and submitted a memorandum with the key points Brad Sherman (D-CA), which are in the Issue Brief. The officials forwarded the member, House Com- memorandum to the appropriate office for review. Since mittee on Foreign Af- June, AHI has raised the issue in follow-up meetings with fairs Subcommittee on State Department officials. Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats; Rep. The Issue Brief describes the ITAR, analyzes why the Ted Deutch (D-FL), co- prohibition on the Republic of Cyprus is unlawful, explains chair, Congressional Hel- how the State Department itself can remove the Republic lenic Israeli Alliance, and of Cyprus from the application of the ITAR prohibition and member, House Com- concludes that legislation is not necessary. mittee on Foreign rela- Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) tions; Rep. Judy Chu (D- “We contend the State Department has the legal authority CA); Rep. David Cicilline to remedy what has been, for years, an unlawful prohibition (D-RI), member, House on arms transfers to the Republic of Cyprus,” AHI President Committee on Foreign Nick Larigakis said. “We urge the State Department to Affairs and Subcommit- exercise the requisite political will to get this done. It is tee on Europe, Eurasia, in the best interests of the United States for the Republic and Emerging Threats; of Cyprus to look to the United States, and not any other Rep. Chuck Fleis- nation, to procure its defense materials.” chmann (R-TN), mem- ber, House Committee AHI-Initiated Congressional Letter Urges on Appropriations and Secretary Pompeo to Lift Arms Prohibition on member, Congressio- Cyprus nal Hellenic Israeli Al- liance; Rep. Josh Got- AHI applauded bipartisan congressional action it initiated theimer (D-NJ); and Rep. that urges the U.S. Department of State, under the aegis Frank Pallone (D-NJ). of Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo, to eliminate the prohibition on the transfer of defense articles and services In addition to members Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA) to the Republic of Cyprus under 22 CFR § 126.1. Fourteen of Congress, those in U.S. representatives signed the December 11 letter to

2018 ANNUAL REPORT 16 Secretary Pompeo that also highlights Turkey’s unlawful Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, Crete—a key military facility in the occupation of the Republic of Cyprus. AHI initiated the Eastern Mediterranean. letter which Congressional Hellenic Caucus Co-Chairs, U.S. Rep. Maloney (D-NY) and Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), “The U.S. enjoys a strong defense relationship with Greece,” spearheaded. Larigakis said. “Greece has been critical to the delivery of U.S. troops, cargo, and supplies, providing access and extending In addition to U.S. Reps. Bilirakis and Maloney, the U.S. the U.S. and NATO’s reach into the Middle East and North representatives who supported the letter were: John Africa. As Souda Bay gains increased importance and Sarbanes (D-MD), Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Ted Deutch (D-FL), utilization, the defense bill’s fiscal year 2019 investment for Dina Titus (D-NV), David Cicilline (D-RI), Steve King (R-IA), capital improvement to the facilities at Souda Bay is lauded.” Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Charlie Crist (D-FL), Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Lee Zeldin (R-NY), Brad Sherman (D-CA) and Ileana Ros- Congressman Bilirakis Submits AHI Lehtinen (R-FL). Letter into Congressional Record AHI’s Advocacy Objectives Achieved as U.S. Rep. Gus M. Bilirakis (R-FL), co-chair, Congressional Cau- U.S. Authorizes Investment in Greece’s cus on Hellenic Issues, and co-chair, Congressional Hellenic Israeli Alliance, submitted into the Congressional Record, NSA Souda Bay American Hellenic Institute’s (AHI) February 27 letter to President Donald J. Trump that urged the U.S. government AHI’s policy objectives to advocate for NSA Souda to condemn strongly recent acts of Turkish provocation and Bay’s geostrategic importance to the national security aggression in the eastern Mediterranean and the broader interests of the United States were accomplished with region, which present dire consequences to U.S. security the enactment of the National Defense Authorization interests. Act of 2019 (NDAA). The Act authorizes $47.85 million in military construction funding for NSA Souda Bay, a further In his March 13 Extension of Remarks, Congressman indication of increased defense cooperation between the Bilirakis stated: United States and Greece. “Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a letter from AHI has advocated for Greece’s strategic importance the American Hellenic Institute regarding Turkey’s to the United States, and for a strengthening of U.S.- continued dangerous actions in the eastern Greece defense cooperation, with high-profile events in Mediterranean and broader region that threaten Washington and Athens that featured high-ranking Greek regional security and U.S. interests. As one of the co- and U.S. government officials. These events also have chairs of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus, I have brought together Greece’s top military officials with key advocated for the rights of Greece and Cyprus against representatives of the defense sector. In addition, Greece’s the intimidating actions of Turkey. Since Turkey’s importance to the United States’ security interests, and Presidential referendum vote, Erdogan’s government NSA Souda Bay’s critical role to project those interests, continues to ignore and violate long-standing are presented annually to congressional appropriators in international law and treaties--a threat to regional written testimony submitted by AHI. security and an impediment to regional interests, stability, and prosperity.” Specific to NSA Souda Bay, AHI and Lexington Institute co- hosted a presentation on Capitol Hill that announced the In addition, as he has done previously, Congressman release of a white paper, “Souda Bay: NATO’s Military Gem Bilirakis stated the United States, and its regional allies, in the Eastern Mediterranean” in 2016. The rollout featured should be better prepared to respond with targeted remarks by Greece’s Minister of Defense Panos Kammenos. sanctions and foreign aid restrictions for any nation that transgresses international law, including NATO ally “We applaud the bill’s enactment and commend the Turkey. legislators who championed the authorization of significant capital investment in NSA Souda Bay,” AHI President Nick Larigakis said. “It speaks to the strengthening of defense cooperation between NATO allies, the United States and “Mr. Larigakis is a close friend and we Greece; and further, it is a policy victory that we must work have had the pleasure to welcome him to ensure is carried-out during the appropriations process and continues in future defense authorization bills.” and AHI delegations in Athens on several occasions. AHI, and especially Mr. Larigakis, On Investment in NSA Souda Bay, Crete deserve credit for their successful efforts and initiatives in building a close friendship Greece is a frontline state in the fight against terrorism. between the U.S. and Greece.” Despite its economic difficulties, Greece continues to be of vital importance for the projection of U.S. strategic interests — Admiral , Chief of the by its geographic location and its strong, unwavering Hellenic National Defense General Staff at support for NATO. Greece is home to the most important Atlantic Council roundtable, October 15, 2018 naval presence in the Mediterranean Sea, Naval Support

2018 ANNUAL REPORT 17 RPOSFORAS,” hosts MEDIA RELATIONS a weekly radio show In 2018 AHI issued 76 press releases that were widely on Athens 9.84 radio distributed to mainstream, Greek American, and foreign station and is a for- press, the Administration, Congress, and AHI members mer anchorwoman and friends. AHI also regularly wrote letters to the editors at Star Channel. of major national and community newspapers, and to In addition, Zisio- producers of television news programming, to comment or poulou interviewed correct the record on their news reporting or commentary. Alexander Velis and Alexis Tsapralis with Journalist Emi Livaniou Zisiopoulou. two students from the tenth annual Letters to the Editor American Hellenic Institute Foundation’s Foreign Policy Trip to Greece and , a daily newspaper published in Athens, Cyprus on June 28. The two students, Alexis Tsapralis and Al- Greece, published AHI’s response to a December 20, exander Velis, were interviewed in Athens about the frame- 2017 commentary titled, “Hellenism in America at a work of the Annual Foreign Policy Trip and their Hellenic crossroads” by Editor Alexis Papachelas, in its electronic heritage. edition, Ekathimerini, on January 1. A condensed version of AHI’s response was published in Kathimerini’s English AHI Board Members Earn Media Placement in print edition, which is inserted as a supplement to the CGTN America, The Washington Post international edition of the New York Times in Greece and Cyprus, on January 5. In his letter, President Larigakis states Two AHI Board Members earned media placement in August Mr. Papahelas’ assessment of the Greek American lobby’s 2018 for their commentaries on current events affecting the role, especially regarding Greece’s strategic importance, is Eastern Mediterranean region. flawed and it demonstrates a lack of understanding of what Board Member Nicholas G. Karambelas, Esq., who also transpires in Washington. serves as AHI volunteer legal counsel, and who is a partner at Sfikas & Karambelas LLP, appeared on CGTN America to Media Placement discuss Greece’s economy, August 20. CGTN’s Elaine Reyes interviewed Karambelas about the end of Greece’s bailout Kathimerini Publishes Interview with program and what it means for the country going forward. AHI President Moreover, The Washington Post placed a Letter to the Editor Ekathimerini published an interview with Nick Larigakis, authored by Board Member James L. Marketos, Esq., titled, January 15, 2018, on the occasion of the Institute’s joint “The U.S. should press Turkey to withdraw from Cyprus,” three-country International Leadership Mission with August 20. Marketos’s letter, in response to an August 16 Greek American and Jewish American community leaders editorial titled, “A better way to use U.S. leverage,” suggests to Greece, Cyprus and Israsel. The article, “Greece among if the United States is considering ways to increase its US’s ‘most dependable’ East Med allies,” also appeared in leverage over Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, that Kathimerini’s English print edition, which is inserted as a it should consider demanding publicly the removal of all supplement to the international edition of the New York Turkish forces from Cyprus. Times in Greece and Cyprus. Larigakis gave a preview of the Mission and Washington’s perspective of the trilateral AHI President Larigakis Talks with Greek Business partnership and discussed other Greek American policy Publication issues with Kathimerini Senior International Correspondent Tom Ellis. Greek Business File, a magazine that analyzes Greece’s business and financial sectors, published an interview Huffington Post Greece Interviews AHI President, with Nick Larigakis. The interview, “Promising turns in AHIF Study Abroad Students Greek-American relations” is published in Greek Business File’s October-November 2018 issue. It came on the eve Huffington Post of the USA-Thessaloniki International Fair, which was held Greece interviewed September 8-16, 2018. President Lariga- kis on: AHI’s policy Larigakis provided his perspective on the current state work in Washing- of U.S.-Greece relations, which he viewed as being at its ton, United States peak. He attributed his view to Greece’s demonstrated relations with consistency as a reliable partner to the U.S., especially when Greece and Cyprus, it comes to U.S. security interests. Larigakis contrasted Nick Larigakis and Journalist Emi Livaniou Greece’s reliability as a security partner with that of Turkey’s Zisiopoulou. and the latest de- velopments in the unreliability over the years. In addition, the AHI president eastern Mediterranean, including recent acts of Turkish discussed the importance of NSA Souda Bay, and Greece’s provocation and aggression that have raised tensions in the role in the emerging alliance with Cyprus and Israel as region. Journalist Emi Livaniou Zisiopoulou, head of Huff- frontline, Western-oriented states against threats to ington Post Greece’s “Special Edition” report, conducted the democracy and security in the Eastern Mediterranean and interview. Zisiopoulou is also the publisher of “I DINAMI THS broader region.

2018 ANNUAL REPORT 18 Awards Dinner AHI Hosts 43RD Annual Hellenic Heritage Achievement and National Public Service Awards Dinner

AHI hosted its 43rd Anniversary Hellenic Heritage Achievement and National Public Service Awards Dinner, March 3, Capital Hilton, Washington, D.C. AHI honored a distinguished set of awardees based upon their important career achievements and contributions to the Greek American community or community at- large. They were: Nancy Papaioannou, President, Atlantic Bank of New York; Isidoros Garifalakis, Businessman and Philanthropist; Tim Tassopoulos, President and Chief Operating Officer, Chick-fil-A; and Phil Angelides, former Honorees (L-R): Phil Angelides, Isidoros Garifalakis, Nancy Papaionnou, California State Treasurer, former Chairman of the U.S. Tim Tassopoulos. Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission, and Businessman. Larry Michael, “Voice of the Redskins,” and chief content officer and senior vice president, Washington Redskins; was the evening’s emcee. AHI Board of Directors Member Leon Andris introduced Michael. The Marines of Headquarters Battalion presented the colors and the American and Greek national anthems were performed by Maria Pearce. His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco, assisted by Reverend Konstantinos Pavlakos, Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, Falls Church, VA, offered the invocation and benediction. Apollonia provided musical entertainment.

His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco (left) is assisted by Rev. Konstantinos Pavlakos in offering the invocation.

Isidoros Garifalakis receives the AHI Hellenic Heritage Achievement Award.

Nancy Papaioannou receives the AHI Hellenic Heritage Achievement Award.

Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia Jonathan Cohen discusses the upcoming 2018 Thessaloniki International Fair.

2018 ANNUAL REPORT 19 Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia Jonathan Cohen opened the evening’s program with a special presentation, “U.S.: Honored Country—2018 Thessaloniki International Fair.” Following the presentation, AHI Foundation President Constantine Galanis and AHI President Nick R. Larigakis, offered greetings. They also reviewed the initiatives and programs AHI and AHIF provide the community. Isidoros Garifalakis joined by his family. In addition, the evening’s program featured a reflective presentation piece that commemorated the ten-year mark of the AHI Foundation’s Foreign Policy Student Trip to Greece and Cyprus program by program alumni Constance Douris, vice president, Lexington Institute, and Elias Gerasoulis, who is enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania. As part of the weekend’s festivities AHI hosted a breakfast briefing with Ambassador of Greece to the U.S. Haris Lalacos and Charge d’Affairs Andreas Nikolaides, Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus, on March 3. AHI also hosted a Greek Night at Kellari Restaurant, the evening Nick Larigakis, Senator Paul Sarbanes, Eugene before the Gala, March 2. Rossides, and Congressman John Sarbanes.

Tim Tassopoulos receives the AHI Hellenic Heritage Achievement Award. Phil Angelides family and friends celebrate as he accepts his award.

Phil Angelides receives the AHI Hellenic Heritage National Dinner guests. Public Service Award.

2018 ANNUAL REPORT 20 LEADERSHIP VISITS ABROAD American Hellenic, American Jewish Groups Hail Third Three-Country Leadership Mission

An 18-member delegation of leaders of the American Hellenic and American Jewish organizations completed a third, three-country Leadership Mission to Greece, Delegation with Cypriot Presidential Commissioner for Cypriots Abroad & Cyprus and Israel, to explore the major political, economic Humanitarian Affairs, Photis Photiou. and security developments underway in the eastern Mediterranean and to advance the interests of the United

(L-R) Delegation Heads Stephen Greenberg, Chairman of the Conference Delegation with President of the House of Representatives Demetris of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations; Nick Larigakis, Syllouris at the Cypriot House of Representatives. President of AHI; Prime Minister , ; Carl R. Hollister, Supreme President of AHEPA; Gary P. Saltzman, International President of B’nai B’rith International. States in the region. Meetings were held January 14 to 19, 2018 with more than 20 high-ranking government and military officials—in addition to policy analysts and community leaders—from the three countries and the United States. The participating organizations included: the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (Order of AHEPA), the American Hellenic Institute (AHI), B’nai B’rith International, and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. Delegation visits In a post-mission statement, the groups noted: “Our Yad Vashem meetings clearly revealed that the trilateral relationship Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem. between Israel, Cyprus and Greece is on a sustained course and is expanding on all levels. We believe the relationship has developed into a partnership, helping to foster peace and stability in the eastern Mediterranean and the broader region where instability exists. Further, the partnership possesses the potential to allow the eastern Delegation aboard the deck of the Greek Frigate Spetses.

Athina Balta, President Pavlopoulos and Constantine Galanis. Delegation with Israeli President Reuven Rivlin (seated on the right).

2018 ANNUAL REPORT 21 Mediterranean to become a community of nations based Cypriots issue. All throughout the delegation’s meetings on shared common values and aspirations. To this end, we in Cyprus, AHI was commended for its past advocacy and hope the trilateral partnership blossoms into a multilateral current steadfast efforts to keep the Cyprus issue highly one. We applaud the leaders of these three countries for their visible with key policymakers in the Trump administration ongoing and increasingly close cooperative relationship, and in the U.S. Congress. and we look forward to a fourth Trilateral Summit in 2018. The American Hellenic and American Jewish communities During its stay in Cyprus, May 13 to 15, the delegation met are committed to advancing the trilateral partnership. We with: U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Cyprus Kathleen will continue to work to foster closer cooperation with the Doherty, Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Christodoulides, United States and support the common efforts to achieve Minister of Defense Savvas Angelides, President of the tangible and measurable outcomes. For example, we are House of Representatives Demetris Syllouris, Ambassador optimistic about initiatives involving youth exchanges. Finally, we are grateful to the many leaders who afforded us the opportunity to exchange views and ideas. The friendship and hospitality shown to us made the trip even more meaningful and productive.” Delegation Visits Patriarchate of Jerusalem The AHI delegation visited the Patriarch- ate of Jerusalem and had a two-hour au- dience with His Be- (L-R) AHI NY President Louis Katsos, AHI Board Member Leon Andris, AHI atitude Theophilos III, President Nick Larigakis, Cypriot Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides, Patriarch of Jerusalem AHI Board Member Kostas Alexakis, AHI Legislative Director Peter Milios. and All Palestine, on January 19. The dis- cussion included the (L-R) Demitri Halakos, AHI Board Member; Nick Larigakis, AHI President; Patriarch recent challenges and Theophilos III, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of issues facing the Patri- Jerusalem; Kosta Alexakis, AHI Secretary; archate of Jerusalem James Lagos, Vice President of AHI. and Christians in the Holy Land. Following the audience with Patriarch Theophilos, the AHI delegation visited the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

AHI Conducts Annual Trip to Greece, AHI Delegation with His Beatitude Chrysostomos II, Archbishop of Cyprus. Cyprus An American Hellenic Institute delegation successfully com- pleted the organization’s annual leadership trip to Greece and Cyprus where it held substantive meetings with high- ranking government officials with the purpose of strength- ening relations and addressing issues of mutual interest. The six-day trip occurred May 13 to 18. “We had a very productive series of high-visibility meetings in Greece and Cyprus,” President Nick Larigakis said. “We accomplished the objectives we set out to achieve, and the briefings we received on issues of importance to the Greek AHI Delegation with Greek Cypriot Negotiator, Amb. Andreas Mavroyiannis. American community were insightful and informative. We thank all of the leaders who took the time to meet with us to discuss these very important issues.” Andreas Mavroyiannis, the chief negotiator for settlement Cyprus talks; Fotis Fotiou, commissioner to the Presidency for Humanitarian Affairs and Overseas Cypriots; His Beatitude The AHI delegation received multiple briefings from Archbishop Chrysostomos II, Dr. Stelios Nicolaides, director, Cypriot and American officials on the Cyprus problem; Hydrocarbons Service, Ministry of Energy, Commerce, Cyprus’ efforts to explore for hydrocarbon reserves in its Industry, and Tourism; and Lt. General Ilias Leontaris, chief of exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and on Cypriot commerce the National Guard General Staff, who also hosted a dinner and tourism sectors. In addition, there were discussions for the delegation at the Officers Club. about raising awareness in the United States of the Missing

2018 ANNUAL REPORT 22 Greece BRIEFINGS, CONFERENCES & The delegation visited Athens May 16 to 18. In addition to briefings with ministry officials, the itinerary included the FORUMS 14th Annual AHI Athens Hellenic Heritage Achievement and Public Service Awards Dinner at the Grand Bretagne Hotel, AHI Presentation Promotes May 18. Thessaloniki International Fair

(L-R) AHI Board Member Leon Andris, AHI Member George Mermelas, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, AHI President Nick Larigakis, AHI Board Member Kostas Alexakis, AHI Board Member Nick Karameblas. (L-R) Greece’s Minister of Digital Policy, Telecommunications, Nikos Pappas; AHI President, Nick Larigakis; Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of European & Eurasian Affairs, Jonathan Cohen.

AHI hosted a panel presentation featuring Greece’s Minister of Digital Policy, Telecommunications and Information Nikos Pappas and then-Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of European & Eurasian Affairs Jonathan Cohen, February 9, 2018, at the Capital Hilton, Washington, DC. The panelists spoke about their five-day, five-city U.S. tour in support of the 2018 Thessaloniki International Fair. AHI Delegation with Mr. , President of New Democracy. The United States was the honored country at the Fair, which was held September 8-16, 2018. The Fair’s theme was “Harnessing the Power of Innovation and Creativity.” Minister Pappas reviewed their U.S. tour to five cities, which included visits to companies such as: Facebook, Lockheed Martin, , AirBnb, and Electronic Arts, among others, to recruit investors and exhibitors for the Thessaloniki International Fair. He touted Greece’s incentive plan to attract companies in the audio/visual and film sector. Deputy Assistant Secretary Cohen stated the Thessaloniki AHI Delegation with U.S. Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt at the Ambassador’s International Fair would be the most important event in residence. U.S.-Greece relations in 2018, adding that Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross planned to attend. He reflected on The delegation met Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, U.S. his experience at Capital Link Forum in New York City in Ambassador to Greece Geoffrey Pyatt, Deputy Foreign December 2017 as an indication the investment community Minister of Greece Terens Quick, Secretary General for and Wall Street is bullish about Greece’s future. Tourism Policy and Development at the Ministry of Tourism George Tziallas, and Minister of State for Coordinating The Cyprus Crisis: A Declassified Government Operations Alekos Flambouraris. The delegation also met with President of New Democracy Dossier” Presented in Greece, Cyprus party Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Graduate Research Fellow Gregory Graves presented “The AHI Delegation Participants Cyprus Crisis: A Declassified Dossier,” addressing the signifi- cance of the 4,000 documents he discovered relating to the President Larigakis was accompanied by: AHI Board invasion of Cyprus, to Secretary Kostas Alexakis, Esq., AHI Board Member Leon members of the Cy- Andris, AHI-New York President Louis Katsos and AHI priot House of Repre- Legislative Director Peter Milios. AHI Board Treasurer sentatives, in a closed Nicholas G. Karambelas, Esq., who also serves as volunteer session setting, March counsel, joined the delegation in Athens. 13. Graves presented his research find- ings at the invitation

2018 ANNUAL REPORT 23 Tziampiris, chair of the De- partment of International and European Studies at the University of Piraeus chaired the event and provided an introduction. Nick Larigakis, provided opening remarks. Special thanks to Evaghoras L. Presentation at the Cypriot House of Representatives. Evaghorou, Lecturer of Evanghoras Evaghorou, Lecturer International Relations at of International Relations at the the University of Piraeus University of Piraeus; Gregory Graves, for helping to organize and Nick Larigakis. and coordinate the event. Additionally, Graves made a two-hour, closed session presentation to Greece’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs A2 Department for Cyprus, chaired by Ambassador George Dimitriadis. A two-hour Q&A discussion followed. Also, while visiting Athens, Larigakis met with U.S. Ambassador to Greece Geoffrey Pyatt. The Hellenic Nick Larigakis (center) presenting a copy of “The Cyprus Crisis,” to Association of Entrepreneurs (EENE) hosted Larigakis for a President of the Cypriot House of Representatives, Demetris Syllouris. luncheon at the Athens Club, attended by close to thirty AHI Graduate Fellow Gregory Graves on the right. members of EENE. Presiding over the discussion was their Chairman, Dr. Vassilis G. Apostolopoulos, and their President, of House of Representatives President Demetris Syllouris, Christian Hadjiminas. who also honored AHI for its work to raise awareness of the declassified dossier. President Larigakis and AHI Legal Background Counsel Nicholas Karambelas accompanied Graves to Cyprus. A complete set of the dossier was formally presented Graves has assembled thirty-one volumes of research and to President Syllouris. the dossier includes compilations of day-to-day declassified documents from the U.S. government and other foreign “Greg has done exceptional work to uncover the previously archives. Graves’ research will help historians to develop classified day-to-day dialogue of the U.S. government a comprehensive understanding of the Cyprus crisis by during the Cyprus crisis,” President Larigakis said. “This providing a chronological dossier of declassified documents. extensive thirty-one volume set will provide unique insight Refraining from introducing his own biases, Graves instead into the policy decisions of the U.S. government during the provided the facts regarding U.S. policy decisions during Cyprus crisis in July and August of 1974.” the crisis, which will allow others to draw their own, more Mr. Marinos Sizopoulos, MP, former Chair of the House informed conclusions. Committee on the Dossier of the Cyprus Problem, coordinated the discussion. Special thanks to Evi Hadjiyanni AHI Panel Examines U.S. Strategic Director for International Relations Services, Cypriot House of Representatives and Vasilis Kiliaris, International Relations Interests in Aegean Sea, Cyprus Office, Cypriot House of Representatives for their invaluable assistance in organizing the event. University of Piraeus Presentation

(L-R) Nick Larigakis, President of AHI, serves as moderator; Nick Karambelas, Partner at Sfikas & Karambelas; Doug Bandow, Senior Fellow at the Cato Institue; John Sitilides, Principal at Trilogy Advisors LLC.

AHI hosted a panel discussion on the topic, “U.S. Strategic Interests: The Aegean Sea & Cyprus’ EEZ,” April 17, 2018, at the Capital Hilton, Washington, D.C. The panelists included: Cato Institute Senior Fellow Doug Bandow, AHI Legal Counsel Nick Karambelas, and Trilogy Advisors LLC Principal Gregory Graves, Professor Aristotle Tziampiris, and Nick Larigakis at the John Sitilides. Nick Larigakis provided opening remarks and University of Piraeus presentation. moderated the panel discussion, which was followed by a Graves also made his presentation to an audience at the Q&A session. University of Piraeus, March 14, 2018. Professor Aristotle 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 24 Karambelas presented Noon Forum Examines “Turkey’s on the rule of law of how it applies to the Aegean Claims to the Eastern Mediterranean: Sea and to the exclusive Myth & Reality” economic zone (EEZ) of Cyprus. Further, Karam- AHI hosted a Noon Forum on belas offered a concept in the topic, “Turkey’s Claims to international law known the Eastern Mediterranean: as “persistent objector” as Myth & Reality” featuring Pro- a legal explanation as to fessor Theodore Kariotis, May why Turkey constantly vi- 30, 2018. Professor Kariotis, Nicholas Karambelas and Doug olates Greece’s sovereign- an expert on maritime law Bandow. ty in the Aegean. Finally, and on issues of Exclusive Karambelas stated that Economic Zones, provided only one treaty applies to his insight and perspective the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Cyprus, the UN Law on Turkey’s mythical claims to of the Sea Convention (UNCLOS). Turkey is not a signatory. Cyprus’ EEZ and Greek islands. He explained how the maritime borders and the EEZ’s are His presentation proved the delineated under UNCLOS. Professor Theodore Kariotis. real and substantial threat to territorial sovereignty that John Sitilides, a diplomacy consultant to the State Greece and Cyprus face on a Department, addressed the geostrategic implications of daily basis. the U.S.-Greece relationship, opening with the role Greece played in April’s coalition missile strikes in Syria. Sitilides described an “arc of crisis” ranging from Russia’ occupation of Ukraine, Turkey’s attacks on Syrian Kurds allied with the U.S. and its ongoing occupation of Syria, Iraq and Cyprus; Islamic State’s spread into the Sinai Peninsula, near the critical Suez Canal chokepoint; and the anarchic battlefields of Libya, through which massive numbers of African migrants are crossing into and overwhelming southern Europe. Sitilides spoke about the strategic importance of the Aegean Sea to the modern Greek nation-state and detailed the series of Turkey’s challenges to Greece’s Aegean sovereignty rights since 1973. Noon Forum Examines “Turkey’s Claims to the Eastern Mediterranean: Myth & Reality”

AHI Commemorates 96th Anniversary of Smyrna Catastrophe AHI hosted a noon forum presentation to commemo- rate the 96th anniversary of the Smyrna Catastro- phe in Asia Minor that fea- tured Professor Alexander Kitroeff, assistant profes- Doug Bandow and John Sitilides. sor, Department of History, Haverford College, October 10, at Hellenic House. Prof. Alexander Kitroeff. Bandow debunked the notion of Turkey serving as a vital Professor Kitroeff provided U.S. ally. He noted Turkey’s refusal to grant the United a multi-faceted perspective States the ability to open a northern front against Saddam of the Smyrna Catastrophe Hussein in 2003, Turkey’s role in giving rise to ISIS, President during his presentation. He positioned the Smyrna Erdogan’s threat to U.S. military personnel in Manbij, Syria, Catastrophe as a crucial historical junction point and as Turkey’s purchase of Russian S-400 missiles and their an incident undergirded by multiple systemic factors. interoperability with NATO, and Turkey using refugees as a Furthermore, he effectively debunked conspiracies by a weapon to disrupt Europe. Bandow asserted Turkey is not certain segment of the Turkish intelligentsia who believe a bridge to Europe and that the notion of Turkey becoming that Greek troops set Smyrna on fire. To illustrate his point, an EU member is “fantasy,” adding it would require a the professor provided a specific timeline delineating when change of culture and political leadership. Greek troops left the city of Smyrna and when Turkish troops

2018 ANNUAL REPORT 25 entered to show the deliberate and genocidal nature of the Additionally, AHI facilitated a private roundtable discussion massacre of innocent, non-combatant Greeks in the city. He for Admiral Apostolakis attended by 24 policy analysts and further buttressed this point by explaining how the Jewish researchers at the Atlantic Council, an international affairs and Muslim quarters of the city were left nearly untouched. think tank, October 15. The professor also juxtaposed the historical importance of this tragedy with its understated presence in the modern- day public conscience. Professor Kitroeff, who is concerned Cyprus’s Military Chief Visits Hellenic about crucial events such as Smyrna being relegated to House parenthetical status in the 21st century, discussed the need to promote Greek history not only to the general population, Lt. General Ilias Leontaris, chief of the Cypriot National but to the Greek American community as well. Guard, visited Hellenic House on the afternoon of October 17 for a discussion about the country’s security challenges. AHI Hosts Military Chief of Greece President Larigakis, Board Treasurer Nicholas Karambelas, Esq., Board Member James L. Marketos, Esq., and Legislative AHI organized a breakfast briefing with Admiral Evangelos Director Peter Milios represented AHI. They were joined by Apostolakis, chief of the Hellenic National Defense General colleagues Daniel Mariaschin, CEO/executive vice president, Staff, on October 17 for a small group of AHI members and supporters at the Capital Hilton. President Larigakis led the discussion and commended Greece for being a valued and reliable NATO ally. Admiral Apostolakis presented the security challenges in the region that Greece and its allies and partners face and the role Greece plays to provide security and stability. He also dis- cussed Greece’s enhanced defense cooperation with the U.S. Ambassador of Greece to the U.S. Haris Lalacos, Colonel Vasileios Lampropoulos, Defense attaché, Commodore Frangkiskos Leloudas, and Commander Nicholas Mamounas accompanied Admiral Apostolakis.

(L-R) James Marketos, Nick Karambelas, Daniel Mariaschin, Major Spyros Koumides, Lt. General Ilias Leontaris, Nick Larigakis, Lt. Col. Theoklitos Pachoulides, Brian Kelleher, Alan Schneider.

Nick Larigakis presents a memento to Admiral Apostolakis. Lt. General Leontaris briefs AHI board members during a visit to Hellenic House.

Admiral Apostolakis briefs breakfast participants. Dinner hosted in honor of Lt. General Leontaris.

2018 ANNUAL REPORT 26 B’nai B’rith International and Alan Schneider, director, B’nai B’rith World Center in Jerusalem; and guest, Brian Kelleher, general manager, Capital Hilton. In the evening, AHI hosted Lt. General Leontaris for dinner in his honor at Metro 29 Diner. Twenty AHI members and supporters attended. “We were fortunate and proud to have the unique opportunity to host the two top military officials of Greece and Cyprus in Washington, D.C. for candid discussions with area community leaders and colleagues,” President Larigakis said. “We appreciated the opportunity to discuss the latest developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and broader region. Greece and Cyprus are playing vital roles and are contributing to the security interests of the United States Patriarch Theophilos III meeting at Hellenic House. and allies, and they are to be commended.”

AHI Hosts Patriarch of Jerusalem, Continues Dialogue on Challenges in the Holy Land

Nick Larigakis presents a memento to Patriarch Theophilos III.

His Beatitude’s delegation included Amb. Patrick N. Theros, the Patriarch’s US Representative; Mr. Nader Moghrabi, Counsel to the Patriarchate; Mr. Austin Tiffany from ICoHS; His Beatitude Theophilos III, Patriarch of Jerusalem and All Palestine. Ms. Anna Koulouris, Patriarchate External Communications Director; Mr. Russell Rook, an advisor to the Patriarchate, as well as Mr. Austin Tiffany, Executive Manager of ICoHS. AHI hosted His Beatitude Theophilos III, Patriarch of Jerusalem and All Palestine to continue the important dialogue regarding the challenges and burdens facing the AHI Presentation on the Future of churches of the Holy Land. The intimate discussion, held Hellenism in America at Hellenic House, November 14, featured representatives of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the International Community of the Holy Sepulchre (ICoHS) and included AHI Board of Directors members and representatives from AHEPA and B’nai B’rith International. “We appreciated the opportunity to host His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos at Hellenic House,” Larigakis said. “The patriarch and representatives of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem provided a thorough and candid update regarding the threats to the Christian presence in Jerusalem, from extremist groups. We commend Patriarch Theophilos for his outreach and engagement with key audiences in (L-R) Larigakis, Dr. Van Coufoudakis, & Dr. Aristotle Tziampiris. Washington and New York City.” AHI in cooperation with the AHI-Athens Chapter, hosted a In addition to Larigakis, AHI Board Member Demitrios presentation “The Future of Hellenism in America” featuring Halakos, and his wife, Georgia; AHI Board Member James Keynote Speaker Katerina Panagopoulos, who is the special L. Marketos, Esq., AHI Foundation Board Member John advisor to the Greek Prime Minister on Hellenism of the Alahouzos, and AHI Legislative Directors Peter Milios and Diaspora, Athens, Greece, Dec. 5, at the Hotel Grande Elias Gerasoulis, attended. Bretagne. More than 200 persons attended.

2018 ANNUAL REPORT 27 Cultural Association of Vienna, Nov. 28. The association’s president, Dr. George Pantoglou, and former president, Charilaos Zikos, organized the event. More than 60 persons attended.

Larigakis Participates at International Conference in Jerusalem President Larigakis presented at an international conference titled, “New Realities in the Eastern Mediterranean” held at the Konrad Adenauer Conference Center, Mishkenot Shaananim, Jerusalem, Dec. 11. The Jerusalem Institute for Strategic Studies (JISS) and B’nai B’rith International (BBI) sponsored the conference which was held in cooperation (L-R) Vice-Admiral Kyriazis, Ms. Emi-Livaniou, Ms. Fani Palli-Petralia, Mr. with AHI and the American Hellenic Educational Progressive George Economou, Mr. Yannis Maniatis, & Katerina Panagopoulos. Association (Order of AHEPA). President Larigakis presented on the topic, “The Role of the Greek Diaspora,” as a participant on the panel, “Extra- Regional Actors.” The conference, which brought together thought-leaders to continue the dialogue about the geopolitical significance of the Eastern Mediterranean, also featured: academicians, policy analysts, and former government officials.

Mrs. Katerina Panagopoulos. Dr. Aristotle Tziampiris.

Dr. Van Coufoudakis, former dean, professor emeritus, Indiana University-Purdue University College of Arts and Science; and President Larigakis, joined the program as panelists. AHI-Athens Chapter Vice President, retired Larigakis speaking at the international conference “New Realities in the Vice Admiral Vasilis Kyriazis, provided greetings and Eastern Mediterranean.” introduced the panel’s moderator, Aristotle Tziampiris, chair, Department of International and European Studies, University of Piraeus. AHI-Athens Chapter President George Economou also provided welcome remarks.

Vienna: President Larigakis Meets with OSCE Officials President Larigakis made the Institute’s first-ever official visit to Vienna, Austria, Nov. 27 to 30, where he met with officials from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) as well as representatives from the Hellenic community of Vienna. To begin the visit to Vienna, Ambassador Ioannis Vrailas, head of the Permanent Representative of the EU to the OSCE, hosted President Larigakis, Nov. 27. The next day, Members of AHEPA, AHI, & B’nai B’rith International; Jerusalem In The Larigakis held meetings with Harry Kamian, charge d’ Background. affaires, U.S. Mission to the OSCE; and Ambassador Elena Rafti, ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to Austria and the OSCE. President Larigakis made a presentation to the Hellenic community of Vienna at an event hosted by the Macedonian 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 28 AHI Provides Opinion on Strategic GENERAL NEWS Dialogue In a nod to the value of the policy opinions of the American AHI President Speaks to Naples, Hellenic Institute, Greek government officials sought the Florida, Community Institute’s perspective in the lead-up to the inaugural U.S.-Greece Strategic Dialogue, which was held Dec. 13 in Washington, D.C. On Dec. 3, President Nick Larigakis met with Alternate Foreign Minister George Katrougalos, who led the Greek delegation to the Strategic Dialogue. Following their meeting, AHI presented a memo to Alternate Foreign Minister Katrougalos which set forth the opinions of AHI in connection with issues that are relevant to United States policies. Further, President Larigakis exchanged ideas about the Strategic Dialogue during a one-hour, 15-minute meeting with Diplomatic Advisor to the Greek Prime Minister Evangelos Kalpadakis, Dec. 4. Additional meetings in Athens with key government officials were held, including: U.S. Ambassador to Greece AHI President Speaks to Naples Community. Geoffrey Pyatt (Dec. 7), Minister of National Defense Panos Kammenos (Dec. 7), Minister of Tourism Elena Kountoura (Dec. 4), and Deputy Foreign Minister Terence Quick (Dec. President Larigakis addressed the Greek American commu- 3). Further, Larigakis met with officials from the Minister nity of Naples, Florida, at two events held on March 28. of Foreign Affairs, Dec. 5, including: Elisabeth Fotiadou, director, A7 Directorate for North America at the Ministry The Men’s Club of St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church of of Foreign Affairs; Ambassador Nikolaos Garilidis, director, Naples invited President Larigakis to be the guest speaker at A4 Directorate for Turkey; Ambassador Sophia Grammata, its annual luncheon, which was held at the Naples National director, A3 Directorate for Balkans; and Ambassador Golf Club. He spoke on the topic, “U.S. Relations with Greece Konstantinos Kollias, director, A2 Directorate for Cyprus. and Cyprus and the Future of Hellenism in America,” before Moreover, Larigakis met with military officials on Dec. 7 an audience of 60 persons. Gus and Peter Stavropoulos and during a lunch with Lt. Gen. Christos Christodoulou, chief, Tom Kyrus sponsored the luncheon. Dr. Harry Dimopoulos Hellenic Air Force General Staff; and a meeting with Lt. Gen. coordinated the event. Father Philemon Patitsas introduced Alkiviadis Stefanis, chief, General Staff. Larigakis. Rounding-out Larigakis’ meetings in Athens were: Vasileios Later in the evening, Larigakis presented under the theme, Kikilias, New Democracy shadow defense minister (Dec. 3); “U.S. Policy Choices: Greece, Cyprus & Turkey,” at an informal Giorgios Koumoutsakos, New Democracy shadow minister dinner hosted by Dr. John Eliopoulos, Dr. Harry Dimopoulos for foreign affairs (Dec. 4); and Fofi Gennimata, president of (who was unable to attend), and John Pizzi and held at the newly-formed Movement for Change (Dec. 6). the Royal Palm Country Club. Approximately 30 persons Finally, Larigakis attended several receptions and dinners attended the dinner which was added-on for individuals during his visit to Athens, including: an American-Hellenic who could not attend the luncheon. Chamber of Commerce dinner keynoted by Prime Minister “On behalf of AHI, I appreciated the opportunity to address Alexis Tsipras, Dec. 4; an American-Hellenic Chamber the Greek American community of Naples on the policy of Commerce dinner keynoted by Kyriakos Mitsotakis, issues of importance to the Greek American community,” president, New Democracy, Dec. 3; and a Dec. 6 morning Larigakis said. “I sincerely thank the community for its ceremony and reception held at the Greek Naval Academy hospitality and for its strong interest in the topics discussed.” in Piraeus in honor of the Feast Day of St. Nicholas, patron saint of the Hellenic Navy, at the invitation of Chief of the President Larigakis especially thanked: Father Philemon Hellenic Navy General Staff Vice Admiral Nikolaos Tsounis. Patitsas, Archons Gus Stavropoulos, Thomas Kyrus, and AHI Member and Supporter Dimitri Contominas hosted Dr. John Eliopoulos; Art Katsaros, Spero Manas, Richard a dinner in honor of Larigakis’ Name Day, Dec. 6 at Egli Pappas and John Pizzi, for organizing and hosting the day’s Restaurant. speaking engagements. In his remarks to the audiences, Larigakis provided an overview of U.S. policy in the Eastern Mediterranean, U.S. Ambassador to Greece Geoffrey especially in light of developments pertaining to Turkish Pyatt thanked AHI “for its long history of aggression in the Aegean Sea. Turkey’s ongoing occupation advocating for Greece and Greek Americans.” of the Republic of Cyprus and its suppression of the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s religious freedom were also — AHI Athens Hellenic Heritage Achievement and discussed. He encouraged the community to reach out to Public Service Awards Dinner, May 18, 2018 their members of Congress to advocate on these issues.

2018 ANNUAL REPORT 29 AHI Representatives Participate at AHIF President Serves as Grand Greek Independence Day Celebrations Marshal of Tarpon Springs Greek AHI participated at sev- Independence Parade eral events held to com- AHI Foundation President Constantine Galanis served memorate the 197th an- as one of several Grand Marshals at the Tarpon Springs, niversary of Greek Inde- Fla., Greek Independence Day parade held March 18. AHI pendence in 2018. President Nick Larigakis participated as an Honored Guest President Nick Larigakis of the parade committee. served as an Honored “It was an honor Guest at the annual for AHI to be rec- Greek Independence ognized in this es- Day parade, April 22, teemed manner Nick Larigakis, President of AHI; 2018. In his remarks to Carl Hollister, Supreme President by the organiz- of the Order of AHEPA; Demitrios ers of the Tarpon Halakos, AHI Board Member. Springs Greek In- dependence Day audiences at a dinner host- Parade,” Larigakis ed by the Federation of said. “We enjoyed Hellenic Societies of Great- (L - R) Constantine Galanis; Rear Admiral celebrating the er New York on April 21, Ioannis Paxivanakis; Nick Larigakis; Captain 197th anniversary and at a pre-parade gath- Charalampos Pegklidis, Greek Naval Attaché; of Greek Indepen- ering held Sunday morn- Colonel Panagiotis Kavidopoulos, Greek Defense Attaché. dence with the ing, Larigakis reminded the historic commu- community that its work is nity of Tarpon Springs and surrounding areas. We commend not done as long as Turkey the organizers and thank everyone who attended and par- continues its aggression in Nick Larigakis speaks at the pre- parade reception in New York. ticipated.” the Aegean Sea, its occupa- tion of the Republic of Cyprus, and its suppression of the Galanis added, ““It was a pleasure and a privilege to Ecumenical Patriarchate’s religious freedom. He added all participate in the Greek Independence Day Parade in these acts are in violation of international and U.S. law, and Tarpon Springs. The sea of Greek flags on both sides of because of the latter, the community must reach out to their the streets held by the people was inspiring and made my members of Congress to advocate on these issues. conviction even stronger to continue to participate and support all activities that support and promote Hellenism AHI Celebrates Greek Independence throughout the United States. Greece and Cyprus need our support during these days and our struggle will not cease Day at the White House until Greece is no longer threatened by its neighbors and until Cyprus is freed.” AHI celebrated Greek Independence Day at the White House on March 22. President Larigakis, AHI Board Members Dr. While in Tarpon Springs, Rear Admiral Ioannis Paxivanakis, Athina Balta and Demitrios Halakos, AHI Foundation Board deputy chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff, presented Member John Alahouzos, and AHI Legislative Director Larigakis and Galanis each with an honorary plaque at Peter Milios attended the ceremony officiated by President the annual Greek Independence Day dinner. AHI also Donald J. Trump, and His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, commended the efforts of AHI member George Mermelas, Geron of America. who served as chairman of the parade’s Public Relations Committee and who helped with the parade’s organization.

AHI-sponsored Greek Heritage Night at Phillies Game a Home Run AHI organized its Fifth Annual Greek Heritage Night held in cooperation with Major League Baseball’s Philadelphia Phillies, June 13, at Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pa. Approximately 800 tickets were sold for Greek Heritage Night, which featured the Phillies versus the Colorado Rockies. LII Champion , defensive back, , threw out the First Pitch. World renown Crossover Classical Singer Anastasia Zannis performed the National Anthem. AHI Board Member Demitri Halakos, AHI Board Member Athina Balta, AHI The popular Phillies mascot, The Phillie Phanatic, sported President Nick Larigakis, AHI Foundation Board Member John Alahouzos.

2018 ANNUAL REPORT 30 an Evzone costume. The Phanatic and the Hellenic Heritage AHI President Larigakis Attends Dance Troupe of St. Thomas Greek Orthodox Church, Cherry Hill, NJ, performed Greek dances upon the Phillies’ field Thessaloniki International Fair during the 5th Inning. The Hellenic Heritage Dance Troupe also preformed pre-game at the main entrance gate. A promotional video about Greece, made possible by the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO), was played on the ballpark’s Jumbo-tron. Greek Heritage Night also featured a Greek cuisine stand.

Greek Minister of Defense Panos Kammenos and US Ambassador to Greece Geoffrey Pyatt (center) surrounded by the Chiefs of the Hellenic Armed Forces at the inauguration of the Hellenic Armed Forces pavilion. AHI President Nick Larigakis attended the 83rd Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) where the United States was this year’s “honored country.” Larigakis attended the Gala Reception for the United States at the The Philly Phanatic dances with Hellenic Heritage Dance Troupe. invitation of American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce, Photo courtesy of Cosmos Philly. hosted at Hyatt Regency, September 7, 2018. He also attended the Official Inauguration of the United States Pavilion at the invitation of the U.S. Embassy, September 8. Following the inauguration, Larigakis interfaced with government officials from the United States and Greece, including Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross and U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI), who chairs the Senate

World renown crossover classical singer Anastasia Zannis performing the National Anthem.

(L-R) Minister Nikos Pappas, Minister of Digital Policy, Telecommunications and Information; US Ambassador to Greece, Geoffrey Pyatt; and Nick Larigakis at the U.S. pavilion.

Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation, Super Bowl LII Champion Chris Maragos, defensive back, Philadelphia as they toured the Eagles and Anastasia Zannis with AHI members. United States Pavil- ion. President Larigakis also spoke with Sec- retary Ross, who was in the company of Dennys Plessas, Vice President of Business Development Initiatives Europe, Middle East, Prime Minister Alexis & Africa, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics and Tsipras. Larigakis Nick Larigakis. congratulated Secre- 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 31 tary Ross for his participation at the Fair and noted that the secretary’s presence underscored how important the cur- rent state of U.S.-Greece relations is viewed. In addition, Greece’s Defense Minister Panos Kammenos invited President Larigakis to the Inauguration of the Hellenic Armed Forces pavilion, September 8. Later that (L-R) Golf Classic Chairman Peter Bota; George Wallace, sports director, evening, Larigakis attended Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras’s WTOP Radio; Christine Brennan, journalist, USA Today; Jim Daopoulos, speech to commence the Fair at the invitation of the Board ESPN rules analyst and former NFL official; Nick Larigakis, AHI President. of Directors of Helexpo, S.A. (The speech is essentially the equivalent of a State of the Union Address in the United participated. Celebrity appearances were made by: Christine States.) Brennan, journalist, USA Today, Jim Daopoulos, ESPN rules analyst and former NFL official; and George Wallace, sports Finally, President Larigakis attended a reception on the director, WTOP Radio. The Tournament Sponsor was Calamos occasion of the Inaugural Presentation of the Hellenic Investments. Peter Bota served as Tournament Chairman. Chapter of the Association of the United States Army, September 9, at the invitation of chapter’s president, The first-place team was comprised of: Chris Christou, Athanasios Kouimtzis. The reception was held at the Ben Kwon, James Tomaseski and Allen Lyubinsky. Second- Thessaloniki Officers Club. place honors went to: Yanni Sianis, Jim Daopoulos, Father Demitri Antokas, and Tommy Greene. The third-place team included: Peter Bota, Michael Gleeson, Dave Riddle, and AHI Hosts Vice President of New Eddie Gleeson. Michael Marroco earned the Closest-to-the- Democracy Party for Dinner Pin honors and Longest Drive went to James Tomaseski. President Larigakis expressed appreciation to Tournament Chair Peter Bota and the long-list of tournament sponsors.

AHI President Speaks to New Haven, Connecticut Community AHI President Nick Larigakis addressed the Greek American community of New Haven, Connecticut, at a presentation hosted by AHEPA Chapter 98, New Haven, and the Hellenic Bar Association of Connecticut, at the Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church Social and Educational Hall, October 23. Mr. Georgiadis (lower left) with members of the AHI Board of Directors. In his presentation, Larigakis provided an overview of U.S. policy in the eastern Mediterranean, including: the status AHI hosted a private dinner for , who is of Cyprus reunification talks, the United States’ military the vice president for New Democracy Party, September 26 presence at NSA Souda Bay, Crete; the impact of the at the Kingbird Restaurant, Watergate Hotel. According to possible name-change of the Former Yugoslav Republic of President Larigakis, the dinner focused on informing Vice Macedonia, the Greece-Cyprus-Israel relationship, and the President Georgiadis on the current work of the American geopolitical tensions in the Aegean Sea caused by Turkish Hellenic Institute to help advocate for U.S. relations with aggression. Because the event occurred close to Oxi Day, Greece and Cyprus and included a discussion on other areas Larigakis also stressed the long-term ramifications of Greek’s of mutual interest. heroic resistance to the Axis powers in early World War II. He encouraged AHI Holds 15th Annual Golf Classic; the community to reach out to Panel Discussion their members of Congress to AHI hosted its Fifteenth Annual Golf Classic at Belle Haven advocate on Country Club, Alexandria, Va., Oct. 15. Forty-eight golfers these issues. A robust Q&A ses- sion followed Larigakis’ pre- sentation.

Larigakis with AHEPA Past Supreme Governor Gregory J. Stamos and AHEPA Chapter 98 President AHI 15th Annual Golf Classic participants Dr. Evangelos Hadjimichael. 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 32 HELLENIC HOUSE VISITORS During 2018, AHI hosted several dignitaries visiting Washington, DC at AHI’s Hellenic House. The dignitaries included high-ranking diplomatic and military officials, among others. They were: Averof Neophytou, President of Disy and Nick Larigakis

June 4: Averof Neophytou, presi- dent of the Democratic Rally (Disy) Party in Cyprus. September 26: AHI welcomed Colonel Vasileios Lampropoulos, the Embassy of Greece’s new defense attaché. The discussion focused on a how AHI keeps Nick Larigakis speaks to the graduate students from the University of the broader policy issues Col. Vasileios Lampropoulos Piraeus. impacting Greece on the agenda (left) with Nick Larigakis. of policymakers and how AHI February 6: Sixty students from the University of Piraeus works on initiatives that serve (Athens) and university staff. President Larigakis spoke to strengthen U.S. relations with to the students about AHI’s history and its mission. Greece. He spoke about the advocacy process in the United States and the role of Greek-Americans in educating October 3: Yuri Kim, director, their elected officials on policy issues. The students Office of Southern European shared their perspectives of the United States, as Affairs, and Emily Stoll, Greek desk well as their interest in future career opportunities. officer, from the U.S. Department of State. The discussion focused on topics ranging from the need Nick Larigakis with Yuri Kim, to lift the arms embargo on director, Officer of Southern Cyprus, to Turkish aggression in European Affairs, State the Eastern Mediterranean, to Department. Greece’s important role as a pillar of stability in the region.

AHI Board Members with Admiral Evangelos Apostolakis, Chief of the Hellenic Armed Forces outside of Hellenic House.

May 2: Chief of the Hel- (L-R) AHI Board Members Nick lenic National Defense Nick Larigakis giving the Admiral a tour of Karambelas, Leon Andris, Dr. Athina Larigakis welcomes Greek Defense General Staff Admiral the E. John & Cleo Rumpakis AHIF Library. Balta, Defense Minister Kammenos, Minister Panos Kammenos to Evangelos Apostolakis. Nick Larigakis, James Marketos. Hellenic House. Admiral Apostolakis thanked AHI for the great work it does to promote Greece around the world. He also October 10: Greece’s Minister of Defense Panos discussed the daily multi-faceted challenges that Greece Kammenos, who commended the work of AHI. Several faces in the Eastern Mediterranean including from its NATO dignitaries accompanied Defense Minister Kammenos ally, Turkey. AHI Board Members Athina Balta and Peter to Hellenic House, including: Ambassador Eleftherios Bota, and AHI Legal Counsel and Board Treasurer Nick Karayannis, director of Diplomatic Office of the Defense Karambelas, joined Larigakis at the meeting. Minister; Lt. Gen. Theologos Symeonidis, (retired, Hellenic Air Force), director of the Defense Minister’s Office; Captain Timothy Ketter, United States Navy, U.S. Defense attaché in Athens; Col. Vasileios Lampropoulos, Defense & Military attaché of Greece to the U.S.; and Mr. Ilias Kammenos.

2018 ANNUAL REPORT 33 AHI FOUNDATION HIGHLIGHTS & INITIATIVES Study Abroad Alumni Have Their Experiences Published (L-R) James Marketos; Matthew Palmer, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Marina Kiotsekoglou, a graduate student at The George State for European and Eurasian Affairs; Nick Larigakis; Leon Andris. Washington University’s Elliott School of International October 16: Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Eu- Affairs, and Floriana Boardman, a sophomore at Fordham ropean and Eurasian Affairs Matthew Palmer and Emily University, participants on the Tenth Annual AHI Foundation Stoll, Greek desk officer, from the U.S. Department of State. Study Abroad program, had their experiences published. The discussion focused on topics ranging from the need to In her piece titled, Why the Cyprus Conflict Requires lift the arms embargo on Cyprus, to Turkish aggression in the International Intervention, Kiotsekoglou recounted what Eastern Mediterranean, to Greece’s important role as a pillar it was like to experience the Cyprus problem in person of stability in the region. and the actions required by the international community to resolve the issue. The International Affairs Review, a graduate student-run publication of the Elliott School of International Affairs in Washington DC, published her account on November 12. Floriana Boardman had her study abroad experience published in The Voice, the community news and history of the Charlotte Greek American community. (L to R) Nick Karambelas, Ambassador Marios Lyssiotis, Nick Larigakis, James Marketos. In her piece titled, “AHI Foundation Foreign Policy Trip: Human Rights and Politics Collide in Cyprus,” Boardman October 19: Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the highlights the tragic human rights issue of the missing United States Marios Lyssiotis. Larigakis shared AHI’s Issue people in Cyprus. She details the statistics of those still Brief on the United States’ arms embargo on the Republic missing from the brutal Turkish invasion in 1974 and how of Cyprus with Ambassador Lyssiotis. Other topics of the Cyprus Problem should be viewed from a moral and discussion included the ongoing acts of aggression taken humanitarian standpoint in order to bring closure to the by Turkey in Cyprus’s sovereign territory and Cyprus’ efforts families of those who’s loved ones are still missing. to develop its hydrocarbon resources. The ambassador toured Hellenic House’s E. John and Cleo Rumpakis Library to review library’s extensive volumes of history. AHI Foundation Publishes Online Policy Journal

(L-R) James Marketos, AHIF announced the release of its ninth volume of its Lt. General Nikolaos policy journal on January 19, 2018. The online journal is Manouris, and Nick available gratis at AHIF Policy Journal website, http:// Larigakis. www.ahifworld.org/journal-issues. The policy journal is a forum for commentary and scholarship on issues of vital importance to Greek Americans. In his introduction to the November 6: Lieutenant General Nikolaos Manouris, current issue, Editor Dan Georgakas writes of the pressing inspector general and deputy chief of the Hellenic Army foreign policy issues facing the United States, Greece and General Staff (HAGS). Cyprus. Georgakas stated, “The focus of this particular issue is on Turkish behavior and statements that have rendered Turkey the most dangerous country in the eastern Mediterranean for the United States, Greece and Cyprus.”

“…[AHI’s advocacy] strengthens the U.S. government and the profound partnership and friendship between our two countries… (R-L) Peter Milios, Elias Gerasoulis, James Marketos, Nikos Christodoulides, Nick Larigakis, and Amb. Marios Lyssiotis. [AHI has been] of immeasurable help… in facilitating some of the most important November 7: Foreign Minister of the Republic of Cyprus moments in the bilateral ties between our two Nikos Christodoulides and Ambassador of Cyprus to the countries.” United States Marios Lyssiotis. The foreign minister briefed AHI on his visit to Washington, which included a meeting — U.S. Ambassador Pyatt, May 18, 2018 with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 34 AHI student trip participants standing outside U.S. Capitol Building with Shayne Woods, legislative assistant for 1 0 TH RY Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) & A SA NNIVER Christina Parisi, legislative director for Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Hellenic Landmark Tenth Annual AHIF Foreign Caucus co-chairs. Policy Trip to Greece, Cyprus a Success The American Hellenic Institute Foundation (AHIF) Foreign Policy Trip to Greece and Cyprus completed its landmark tenth year as ten students from across the United States participated in the 18-day program held June 19 to July 6, 2018. The student participants were: Vanessa Balis, an Honors Scholar and Media Fellow junior at DePauw University majoring in English Literature and minoring in Spanish; Floriana Boardman, a sophomore at Fordham University majoring in Political Science with a double minor in Orthodox Christian Studies and Middle Eastern Studies; AHI students with Haris Lalacos, Ambassador of Greece to Adonis Caramintzos, a junior at Hunter College pursuing the United States. dual majors in Economics and Political Science; George Evangeloulis, a Presidential Scholar junior at the University of Southern California, majoring in Journalism and Marketing; Marina Kiotsekoglou, a former AHI intern who graduated from Pennsylvania State University and is now pursuing a master’s degree at the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University; Sophia Kyrou, a sophomore at Trinity College majoring in Political Science and Human Rights with a minor in French; Maria Nifakos, a Dean’s List student and rising senior at Emerson College, majoring in Journalism and minoring in Sociology and White House Briefing Room, part of the students West Wing Political Science; Alexis Tsapralis, a summer AHI intern and tour of the White House complex. junior Dean’s List student at Barnard College of Columbia University studying Political Science with a concentration in International Relations; Alexander Velis, a sophomore at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign’s Gies College of Business studying International Business and Finance; and Michael Zoumadakis, a recent graduate of the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business where he majored in Business Administration and minored in Political Science. Throughout the two-week program, the students received firsthand experience regarding the foreign policy issues affecting Greece and Cyprus, their relations with the Alumni of the AHIF student foreign policy trip gather at the United States, and the interests of the U.S. in the Eastern reunion to kick off the tenth annual trip. Mediterranean. Briefings and meetings were held with American embassies, officials from various foreign ministries, members of parliament, the armed forces, prominent think- tanks, and members of academia and the private sector of both countries. The principal events of the trip included a visit to the Turkish-occupied area in Cyprus and a day-trip to Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, Crete, where the students toured the NATO Missile Firing Installation (NAMFI) and received numerous briefings. Students pose with Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides “This trip has truly opened my eyes to the hardships that (center) and Director of Middle East and North Africa Greece and Cyprus face and how critical it is for Greek- Directorate, Andreas Kakouris (far right). 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 35 Americans to lobby Congress to support stronger U.S. relations with Greece and Cyprus,” Participant Floriana Boardman said. “Through the American Hellenic Institute Foundation, I now understand how a relationship between the United States, Cyprus and Greece is beneficial to all three countries.” Added Participant Michael Zoumadakis, “Prior to the AHIF Foreign Policy Trip, I had never traveled to Greece or Cyprus. Having grown up in a traditional Greek household, I was unaware of the beauty, military capabilities, and general Meeting with Prodomos Prodromou, Government strategic importance housed in these two Mediterranean Spokesman nations. Through numerous meetings with top politicians, business, religious, and community leaders, as well as visitations to the most important bases and sites, I gained a deeper understanding of the role they play in international politics, especially with respect to the United States.”

AHIF students at a desecrated church located in the illegally occupied area.

Students with a submarine class-214 at Salamis Greek Naval Fleet headquarters.

An abandoned Cyprus Airways plane lies on the tarmac at the UN controlled Nicosia International Airport.

Students touring Souda Bay on a skiff boat.

Admiral Evangelos Apostolakis, Chief of the Hellenic Armed Forces.

President , President of Greece. Meeting with Amb. Geoffrey Pyatt at the Ambassador’s residence in Athens. 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 36 AHIF Hosts 17th Annual The Future of Hellenism in America Conference in Dallas, Barbara Vittas receives the AHI Hellenic Heritage Award for the Promotion Texas of Hellenism and Orthodoxy in America.

(L-R) Constantine Galanis; Barbara Vittas; Ambassador Haris Lalacos; Maria Lainioti Carayannopoulos receives the AHI Hellenic Heritage Award Maria Lainioti Carayannopoulos; Nick Larigakis. for the Promotion of Hellenism and Orthodoxy in America.

AHI Foundation hosted its Seventeenth Annual Conference The conference was organized into four panels: Current on the Future of Hellenism in America, keeping the Perspective on Current Challenges, Engagement in Our discussion of the promotion and preservation of Hellenism Community & How We Compare, The Changing Nature of at the forefront of the community. This year’s conference was the Greek American Community, and Looking to the Next held in Dallas, Texas, at the Hilton Anatole Hotel, Nov. 9-10. Generation of Greek Americans. The conference’s opening Featuring nearly twenty prominent speakers from across keynote speaker, Professor Dan Georgakas, director of Greek the country, conference presentations analyzed key issues American Studies, Center for Byzantine and Modern Greek including: the future of Greek American organizations, Studies, Queens College, CUNY, presented on the theme, the political process and lobbying, religious and ethnic “The Now and Future of Greek America” Dr. Van Coufoudakis, identity, promoting Hellenic values through business, Greek former dean, professor emeritus, Indiana University-Purdue education, and perspectives from young Greek Americans. University College of Arts and Science, spoke on the Speakers also identified how Hellenism could be promoted in the future through these various channels. On the eve of the Hellenism Conference, November 9, AHIF held a successful conference dinner with more than 125 persons in attendance. There, AHI President Nick Larigakis officially opened the conference and welcome remarks followed. George Naftis served as Master of Ceremonies. Ambassador Haris Lalacos, Greek ambassador to the United States, delivered the Keynote Address, “The Role of Greece in Promoting Hellenism Abroad.” The ambassador emphasized the U.S.-Greece relationship is at a high point and future relations appear bright. The Invocation and Benediction were given by Rev. Presbyter Peter Kostakis, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Dallas. Barbara Vittas and Maria Lainioti Carayannopoulos each received AHI’s Hellenic Heritage Public Service Award for Eric Fusfield, deputy director, B’nai B’rith International Center for Human the Promotion of Hellenism and Orthodoxy in America. Rights and Public Policy.

2018 ANNUAL REPORT 37 theme “Keeping Hellenism Alive in 21st Century America: participants during the evening at their home in Fort Worth. Challenges, Opportunities, and Threats” as the conference’s luncheon keynote speaker. The conference concluded with Each year the conference is held in a different U.S. city to a discussion titled, “Where Do We Go from Here?” spread the seeds of ideas generated at the conference and to obtain feedback from the local Greek American Special thanks to Donna Ralli-Lalangas and Paul A. Peters community on various challenges facing Hellenism in for their tremendous work in helping to make this year’s America. Conference speakers identified key challenges conference a complete success. Their assistance throughout facing the Greek American community today and offered the planning and implementation of the conference was suggestions for the future. instrumental. Also, Paul and Magdaline Peters held a post-conference reception for conference speakers and

Nick Larigakis, President of AHI. Professor Van Coufoudakis George Vittas serves as moderator provides the Luncheon Keynote of the panel, “Current Perspectives Address. on Current Challenges.”

Dr. Georgios Anagnostou, professor, Ohio State Professor Dan Georgakas provides the Opening Professor Alexander Kitroeff, associate University Department of Classics. Keynote address. professor of History, Haverford University.

Nick Larigakis speaks to the Dallas-Forth Worth community at the Conference attendees. reception hosted by Paun and Magdaline Peters at their residence.

2018 ANNUAL REPORT 38 HELLENIC HERITAGE ACHIEVEMENT & PUBLIC SERVICE Athens Athens

14TH ANNUAL Awards Dinner Awards Dinn er

AHI Hosts 14th Athens Awards Dinner The Fourteenth Annual AHI-Athens Hellenic Heritage Achievement and Public Service Awards Dinner was held at The Grande Bretagne hotel in Athens on May 18. The two honorees who each received the Hellenic Heritage Public Service Award were Dr. Panagiotis Behrakis and the Hellenic Armed Forces, represented by Chief of the Hellenic National Defense General Staff Admiral Evangelos Apostolakis. AHI recognized Dr. Behrakis for his tireless efforts to combat tobacco usage in the youth of Greece and the Hellenic Armed Forces for its illustrious achievements throughout history in the defense of Greece’s sovereignty, their defense and promotion of peace and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, and their commitment to defense Olga Bornozi, Master of Ceremonies. cooperation with the United States and NATO. Ilias Malevitis, president, AHI-Greece, welcomed the audience. George C. Economou, president, AHI-Athens Chapter, provided greetings. Olga Bornozi of Capital Link served exceptionally as Master of Ceremonies. Moreover, AHI President Nick Larigakis addressed the audience. In addition to congratulating the honorees, he highlighted the objectives of AHI’s annual trip to Greece and Cyprus and updated the audience regarding how AHI programs are successful in keeping the Greek American community’s policy issues at the forefront of policymakers in Washington as well as how AHI programs help to promote Hellenic heritage and support the Greek American community. Admiral Apostolakis accepts the AHI Hellenic Heritage Public Service Award on behalf of the Hellenic Armed Forces.

(L-R) Deputy Minister for Sports Giorgos Vasiliadis, representing Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras; AHI Athens Chapter President George Economou; AHI Greece President Ilias Malevitis; Admiral Evangelos Apostolakis, Chief of the Hellenic Armed Forces; Dr. Panagiotis Behrakis; U.S. Ambassador to Greece Geoffrey Pyatt; and AHI President Nick Larigakis.

2018 ANNUAL REPORT 39 LEADERSHIP, AWARDS & STAFF NEWS AHI President Honored for Contribution to Hellenic Armed Forces Day Celebration

Dinner guests. Constantine Politis

Ambassador Pyatt: AHI Provides “Immeasurable Help” U.S. Ambassador to Greece Geoffrey Pyatt provided opening remarks about the strong relationship between the United States and Greece. Ambassador Pyatt also thanked AHI “for its long history of advocating for Larigakis (L) receives certificate of appreciation from Defense Attaché Greece and Greek Americans.” He added AHI’s advocacy Colonel Vasileios Lampropoulos (R). “strengthens the U.S. government and the profound The Embassy of Greece in Washington’s Defense, Military partnership and friend- Naval and Air Attaché Office President Nick Larigakis for ship between our two his role in contributing to the success of the celebration countries,” and that of Hellenic Armed Forces Day. Defense Attaché Colonel AHI has been “…of im- Vasileios Lampropoulos presented a Certificate of measurable help…in Appreciation to President Larigakis at AHI’s annual Christmas facilitating some of the reception, Dec. 17, 2018. It reads: most important mo- ments in the bilateral “On behalf of the Defense Delegation of the Hellenic Embassy ties between our two countries.” With Sincere thanks for being a generous sponsor of our Armed Forces Day Celebration event on November 14th 2018 With your tireless effort and valuable support

Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt We succeeded in making this day a big event. providing greetings. We hope that we will work together in the near future again” In acceptance, Larigakis stated his deep gratitude for the recognition and commended the Defense Office at the Embassy of Greece for its work in Washington. In his speech, President Larigakis said “We deeply appreciate the essential work of the Embassy of Greece in Washington in collaborating with organizations such as ours in order to highlight Greece as a crucial nation in the projection of American geostrategic interests in the Eastern Mediterranean as well as the peace and stability of the region.” In addition to Col. Lampropoulos, who led a delegation of ten Greek embassy officials; U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Matthew Palmer and Director of the Office of Southern European Affairs Yuri Kim, were in attendance.

Dr. Behrakis accepts the AHI Hellenic Heritage Public Service Award.

2018 ANNUAL REPORT 40 Gerasoulis Joins Staff as Legislative in the Cyprus problem since 1963 and commented on current developments in the UN-sponsored talks on Assistant Cyprus. Dr. Coufoudakis also spoke about what influenced AHI was pleased to announce his academic career and stressed how freedom of the hire of Elias Gerasoulis expression allowed him to partake in public affairs, much as the Institute’s Legislative as Pericles asked citizens of democratic polities to do. Assistant, July 24. Retired Rear Admiral Appointed VP of “We are excited and fortunate to have Elias join our staff,” AHI-Athens Chapter AHI President Nick Larigakis AHI announced the appointment of said. “During his time at the retired Rear Admiral Vasileios Kyria- University of Pennsylvania, zis to the position of Vice President Elias Gerasoulis. Elias served in many capacities of the AHI-Athens chapter, Sept. 26. that required a significant Rear Admiral Kyriazis, a 1979 amount of responsibility and graduate of the Hellenic Naval accountability. The legislative experience he gained through Academy, served in the Hellenic his internships working for both Congress and the United Navy in combat positions for 32 Nations, and his demonstrated passion for international years and retired in 2011 after affairs, will be a tremendous asset to our mission.” obtaining the rank of Rear Admiral. Rear Admiral Vasileios During his service in the Hellenic Elias Gerasoulis graduated summa cum laude from the Kyriazis. University of Pennsylvania, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Navy, Kyriazis served in a variety European History. Elias was also a participant of the 2015 of warships as a staff officer and commanding officer. He AHI Foundation Student Foreign Policy trip and spoke at also served in staff and administrative positions in Greece the future of Hellenism conference in 2015 and 2017. He is and abroad, as a senior and flag officer, including at NATO originally from Edison, New Jersey. Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium (2002-2003); and Naval attaché of the Embassy of Greece in Washington, DC. (2006- “I am deeply grateful and honored to work for AHI,” 2008). Gerasoulis stated. “The Institute has tirelessly promoted and defended Hellenism. I look forward to contributing to this AHI Interns Reflect on their Experiences important cause.” AHI’s summer internship program Throughout his collegiate career, Elias gained legislative is designed for college students experience as an intern for U.S. Congressman Tom MacArthur who wish to gain experience in and the Greek Permanent Mission to the United Nations, to government affairs and foreign which he served as a Summer Adviser. He also was involved policy issues. AHI prides itself in in Penn’s Greek-American organization and was on the preparing college students for board of PIPAC, Penn’s pro-Israel advocacy group. the next step in their internation- al relations careers, and this past Dr. Coufoudakis Honored by AHI summer 2018 interns: summer, Alexandra Choate and Alexandra Choate (left) and Alexis Tsapralis took full advan- University of Nicosia School of Law Alexis Tsapralis (right). tage of their time as AHI’s interns. The University of Nicosia School of Law awarded During her internship, Alexandra attended and reported AHI Board Member Dr. Van on symposiums and panels located across Washington, DC Coufoudakis the degree of and assisted in editing AHI’s soon-to-be-published book, Doctor of Philosophy Ho- “The Future of Hellenism in America,” among other important noris Causa, October 11, as duties. “This internship was deeply meaningful to me. Every decided by the Senate of day at work was a chance to do right by my heritage: to the University of Nicosia. The push for stronger US support for Greece and Cyprus, to university’s academic lead- advocate for Greek American interests, to demand real change in the most powerful city in America,” she said. Dr. Coufoudakis Honored by ership, various Cypriot aca- University of Nicosia School of Law. demics, political leaders, Following her participation in AHI Foundation’s Foreign students and friends of the Policy Trip to Washington, DC, Cyprus, and Greece, Alexis honoree attended the ceremony held in Nicosia, Cyprus. returned to AHI where she drafted press releases, attended The Rector of the University of Nicosia, Professor Philippos panel events, composed Capitol Reports, and conducted Pouyioutas stated the award is the highest recognition research on relevant breaking news pertaining to the granted to an individual for their contribution to the arts, Eastern Mediterranean. “This internship was an invaluable sciences and to Cypriot culture. He went on to highlight experience. Not only was I able to put into practice the Dr. Coufoudakis’ contributions to Cyprus and to the field knowledge I gained while on AHIF’s Foreign Policy Trip, but of International Relations. In acceptance, Dr. Coufoudakis I was also able to deepen my understanding of the core expressed his admiration for the university’s growth issues affecting the Eastern Mediterranean. and development. He also discussed his involvement

2018 ANNUAL REPORT 41 The American Hellenic Institute in cooperation with The Hellenic News of America and Cosmos Philly is proud to present the 6th Annual “GREEK HERITAGE NIGHT” AT THE PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 2019

Philadelphia Phillies “GREEK HERITAGE NIGHT” at Citizens Bank Park vs the St. Louis Cardinals (7:05 p.m.) GREEK HERITAGE NIGHT (all tickets $49 - behind 3rd Base) will include: Special Welcome; Ceremonial First Ball; 2 minute pre-game video highlighting Greece; The Phillie Phanatic dressed as an “Evzone” leading a Greek Dance Troupe on the field during the 5th or 7th i nning; A concession stand dedicated to serving Greek food; and a thousand or more Greek Americans expressing our proud Hellenic Heritage from the stands!

VIP TICKETS $300 PER PERSON (only 20 spaces available) includes: Ticket to watch the game from MVP Suite, which will include food and drinks for the entire game; visit by a Phillies Alum; and a very special visit by the “Phillie Phanatic” dressed in the “Evzone” costume. (Pending availability.)

To purchase tickets online visit www.phillies.com/greekheritage # of VIP ticket(s) at $300 = $ # of ticket(s) at $49 = $ Enclosed is my check payable to AHI in the amount of $ Please charge my credit card in the amount of $ Visa MasterCard American Express Credit Card No. Exp. Date Name Signature Address City State Zip Phone Email American Hellenic Institute • 1220 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036 Tel: 202-785-8430 • fax: 202-785-5178 • Email: [email protected] AMERICAN HELLENIC INSTITUTE, INC. Board of Directors Nick Larigakis, President James H. Lagos, Esq., Vice President Nicholas G. Karambelas, Esq., Treasurer Kostas Alexakis, Esq., Secretary Leon Andris Aleco Haralambides, Esq. Dr. Athina Balta James L. Marketos, Esq. Peter Bota James Pedas Nicholas E. Chimicles, Esq. Gene Rossides, Esq. Van Coufoudakis, Ph.D. George Tsetsekos, Ph.D. Demitrios Halakos

Regional Representatives Louis Katsos, President, AHI-New York Constantine Larigakis, President, AHI-New Jersey Spiros Mantzavinos, President, AHI-Delaware Paul Sogotis, President, AHI-California Jim Stoucker, President, AHI-Northern VA

AMERICAN HELLENIC INSTITUTE FOUNDATION, INC. Board of Directors Constantine A. Galanis, President Nicholas G. Karambelas, Esq., Secretary James H. Lagos, Esq., Treasurer John Alahouzos Gene Rossides, Esq. Gus Andy Spiro Spireas, Ph.D. Nick Larigakis Kyriakos Y. Tsakopoulos Eleni Rossides

AMERICAN HELLENIC INSTITUTE – Athens Chapter George C. Economou, President Vasileios Kyriazis, Rear Admiral (ret.) H.N., Vice President George Mermelas, Public Relations Katerina Papathanassiou Sylvia Gavalla

Staff Yola Pakhchanian, Director of Publications Elias Gerasoulis, Legislative Assistant & Special Projects Coordinator ahiworld.org

AHI invites everyone – Hellenes and philhellenes alike – who shares our pas- sion for the preservation and study of Hellenism – and wishes to strengthen ties between the United States, Greece and Cyprus – to join AHI as a member.

By joining, you help us in two impor- tant ways: your membership gives our message greater weight in Washing- ton. And your dues help us to carry out our mission on a day-to-day basis.

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Expiration Date (month/year): _____ /_____ $10 Nike Membership ,0 Signature: ______Olympic membership benefits, plus: 00 • A special invitation to join the annual del- (Required for credit card payments) egation trip to Greece and Cyprus and participate in high-level meetings with members of the execu- Please tear at perforation and return with payment to: tive and legislative branches of the Greek and Cypriot American Hellenic Institute governments • Receive a Sustaining Member listing 1220 16th Street, NW on the AHI Memorial Wall, prominently displayed in Washington, DC 20036 the lobby of Hellenic House • Underwriting credit for the year at all AHI events

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